What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis an inflammatory autoimmune disease that is a combination of psoriasis and arthritis, meaning that not only will you have joint stiffness and pain, but it will likely be accompanied by a rash or scaly looking skin. If you have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, it’s likely that you have already been diagnosed with psoriasis. This condition can be found in both men and women starting anywhere from age 30 to 50 and can worsen over time.
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
Since this is an autoimmune condition, it is caused by your immune system attacking healthy tissues and cells. There is not an exact cause for this reaction, but it is believed that some environmental triggers and genetics could be influencers.
What are psoriatic arthritis symptoms?
The two main symptoms and signs of psoriatic arthritis are joint pain and skin changes (rash, red skin, scaly). You may also experience any of the following symptoms:
- Joint inflammation
- Joint stiffness
- Swollen fingers and toes
- Changes in your nails and nail beds
- Deformed joints due to chronic inflammation
How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?
As with many rheumatic conditions, diagnosing psoriatic arthritis will likely start with a physical exam as well as discussion of your health history. A rheumatologist will look at all joints that may be causing issues as well as any skin changes you have experienced. If additional testing is needed, your doctor may order blood, image, joint fluid or biopsy testing.
How do you treat psoriatic arthritis?
The treatment method provided to you will be based on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. Some initial treatment options may include NSAIDs (ibuprofen and naproxen), corticosteroids or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as:
- Methotrexate
- Sulfasalazine
- Azathioprine
If these methods are not helping your symptoms, your doctor may recommend biologic medications.
If you are suffering from psoriatic arthritis, contact the Iowa Clinic Rheumatology department at 515.875.9790 to schedule an appointment today with our board-certified rheumatologist.