Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune disease that primarily affects the skin. It occurs in roughly 30 percent of people with psoriasis. With this condition, the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissue in the joints and skin, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness. Left untreated, PsA can cause permanent joint and tissue damage. Early and aggressive treatment is recommended.

Symptoms

There are five different types of psoriatic arthritis, each with its own set of symptoms. However, the most common symptoms include:

Painful and swollen joints – typically in the ankle, knees, fingers, toes and lower back.
Stiffness – especially after a period of rest.
Tendon or ligament pain – most commonly in the heel, bottom of foot or elbow.

Rashes and fingernail changes associated with psoriasis are also symptoms of PsA. Patients with this disease often experience fatigue and eye problems. When symptoms intensify for a period of time, it is called a flare. Flares in PsA can come and go.

Treatments

Your doctor can recommend over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medicines for PsA, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids and topical treatments for scaly, itchy rashes due to psoriasis. Light therapy, where the skin is regularly exposed to ultraviolet light, may be an option for PsA patients.

Taking a proactive part in treatment is an important step in managing psoriatic arthritis symptoms and can help you ease the severity of flares and stay healthier overall.

If you have PsA,consider making changes to:

Get regular physical activity
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Limit alcohol and, if you smoke, quit
Manage stress with meditation, yoga, soothing music, or by joining a support group

Ask your doctor to help you develop a self-care treatment program specifically tailored for your condition and health goals.

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