Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Most people develop psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, but the joint problems can sometimes begin before skin patches appear.

Causes

The cause of psoriatic arthritis isn't known, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. In particular, people with certain genetic markers are more likely to develop the condition. It's also thought that something in the environment, such as an infection, can trigger the disease in people who have these genetic markers.

Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, and symptoms can vary from person to person. Common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; swollen fingers and toes; foot pain; and lower back pain. People with psoriatic arthritis may also experience fatigue and changes in their nails, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed.

Diagnosis

There's no definitive test for psoriatic arthritis, so diagnosis involves ruling out other forms of arthritis. A doctor may use a combination of medical history, physical examination, blood tests, and imaging studies, such as X-rays or an MRI, to make a diagnosis.

Treatment

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis typically involves medications to reduce inflammation and slow the progression of the disease. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents. In some cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.

See also

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Ankylosing spondylitis