What is Psoriatic arthritis, its Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches. This form of arthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, and can lead to joint damage if left untreated. Also we say Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system turns on itself, in this case leading to inflammation of the joints. Most people who develop this type of arthritis also have the skin condition psoriasis, another autoimmune disease which causes raised red patches on the skin.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

The symptoms can vary from mild to severe and often develop slowly, but they can sometimes appear suddenly. Most people develop symptoms for the first time when they’re between 30 and 50 years old, and both men and women can have the condition. Psoriatic arthritis is chronic and progressive, but medications and lifestyle changes may help.

Common symptoms include:

  1. Joint Pain and Stiffness: Often felt in the fingers, toes, knees, and ankles, with pain worsening in the morning or after resting.
  2. Swelling: Fingers and toes can become swollen to resemble "sausages" (dactylitis), which is unique to psoriatic arthritis.
  3. Fatigue: People often feel unusually tired, possibly due to inflammation and immune response.
  4. Nail Changes: Small dents, pitting, separation from the nail bed, or discoloration of nails.
  5. Lower Back Pain: Some people may develop spondylitis, which causes pain and stiffness in the spine.
  6. Foot Pain: Common in areas like the sole (plantar fasciitis) or the back of the heel (Achilles tendonitis).
  7.  Some experience symptoms in an unexpected part of the body that is the eyes. This can show up as conjunctivitis (pink eye) as well as pain and redness.
Many psoriatic arthritis symptoms closely resemble other types of arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This is why psoriatic arthritis can be so difficult to diagnose. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but usually include painful, swollen, stiff joints. The joints may also be red or warm. Symptoms can come on suddenly or slowly, and be mild or severe. Many people have flares of psoriatic arthritis symptoms, followed by times of relative calm.


Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it involves a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Here are some of the main contributing factors:

  1. Genetics: Family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis increases the risk.
  2. Immune System: A malfunction in the immune system may attack healthy joints, causing inflammation.
  3. Environmental Triggers: Physical trauma, infections, or stress can sometimes trigger the onset of psoriatic arthritis in susceptible individuals.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Doctors diagnose psoriatic arthritis through a combination of physical exams, imaging tests (like X-rays or MRIs), and blood tests to rule out other forms of arthritis. 

There isn't a test to diagnose psoriatic arthritis, and doctors instead look at medical history as well as a physical exam. The first question your doctor will probably ask you is whether or not you have skin psoriasis. Your doctor will want to know about your symptoms and which joints are painful or swollen.


Lab and imaging tests might help eliminate other conditions. While there is no blood test for psoriatic arthritis, there are blood tests that can eliminate other similar-seeming conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis treatment


There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but medications and lifestyle changes can help ease symptoms and prevent further inflammation.

Treatment options include:

  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, and corticosteroids.
  • Physical Therapy: Helps maintain joint flexibility and function.
  • Lifestyle Adjustments: Exercise, balanced diet, and stress management are essential in managing symptoms.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and slow down joint damage.





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