What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects both joints and skin. It often occurs in people with psoriasis, although joint symptoms can appear first or without visible skin involvement :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
🔹 Who Is Affected?
About 30 % of individuals with psoriasis develop PsA, typically between ages 30 and 55. Men and women are affected equally :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
⚠️ Recognising the Symptoms
- Joint pain, stiffness & swelling: Any joint may be affected, often worse in the morning :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
- Dactylitis (“sausage digit”): Entire finger or toe swelling occurs in ~40 % of cases :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
- Enthesitis: Inflammation at tendon/ligament insertion sites, such as the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.
- Axial involvement: Back and spine inflammation, sacroiliitis, causing early‑morning stiffness and pain :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}.
- Skin and nail changes: Red, scaly plaques typical of psoriasis; nail pitting, onycholysis or discoloration seen in 80–90 % of patients :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}.
- Fatigue: Severe tiredness affecting about 30 % of sufferers :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}.
- Other symptoms: Warm/red joints, reduced mobility, eye inflammation in some cases :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}.
🧬 What Causes It?
- Autoimmune trigger: Immune system mistakenly attacks joints, skin and entheses :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}.
- Genetics: Family history and specific genes like HLA‑B27 increase the risk :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}.
- Risk factors: Severe psoriasis, nail disease, obesity, smoking, joint injury :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}.
🔍 How It’s Diagnosed
There’s no single diagnostic test. Doctors rely on:
- Medical history including psoriasis or family history
- Physical exam for swollen joints, enthesitis, dactylitis
- Imaging (X‑ray, MRI, ultrasound) to detect inflammation and joint damage :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Blood work: inflammatory markers, rheumatoid factor expected negative in PsA :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
🛠️ Treatment Options
Early treatment is crucial to reduce inflammation, protect joints and improve quality of life :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}.
- NSAIDs: For pain and inflammation relief
- Conventional DMARDs: Methotrexate, leflunomide to slow disease progression :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Biologic DMARDs: TNF‑inhibitors and IL‑17/23 blockers (e.g., secukinumab/Cosentyx) for moderate‑to‑severe cases :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}
- PDE‑4 inhibitors: Oral apremilast for milder disease
- JAK inhibitors: New oral options like tofacitinib
- Supportive therapies: Physiotherapy, exercise, mind‑body techniques, occupational support :contentReference[oaicite:19]{index=19}
❓ FAQs
Q: Can PsA be cured?
No cure exists. But early and sustained treatment can achieve minimal disease activity and prevent joint damage :contentReference[oaicite:20]{index=20}.
Q: What triggers a flare‑up?
Common triggers include stress, infections, cold weather, injuries, smoking and alcohol :contentReference[oaicite:21]{index=21}.
Q: Does PsA affect mental health?
Yes—many people experience anxiety, depression and social withdrawal :contentReference[oaicite:22]{index=22}.
Q: When should I see a doctor?
If you have psoriasis and joint pain, stiffness (especially sticky after rest), swelling or sausage digits—see a rheumatologist promptly.
🔗 Internal Resources
🧠 Final Thoughts
Psoriatic arthritis is a complex condition affecting skin, nails and joints. Timely diagnosis, treatment and lifestyle support can control symptoms, slow progression and promote a better life with PsA.