Psoriatic Arthritis

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis often seen in people diagnosed with psoriasis, which is an immune-mediated condition that causes skin cells to grow at a rapid pace creating red, scaly patches of skin. 

The joint inflammation occurs when your immune system attacks the healthy tissue in your joints. Researchers theorize that the abnormal immune response may be a hereditary disease triggered by an environmental factor, such as an infection. You can develop the chronic arthritic condition at any age, but it often occurs between 30 and 50. 

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are similar to rheumatoid arthritis and cause painful, swollen joints that are warm to the touch. However, with psoriatic arthritis, you’re more likely to experience:

• Finger or toe swelling
• Hand or foot deformities
• Foot pain 
• Lower back pain

Though your symptoms may come and go, psoriatic arthritis tends to worsen over time. Additionally, ongoing inflammation may lead to joint damage later in life. An early diagnosis and treatment plan may prevent long-term joint problems.

How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

The experienced team at Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center conducts a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. During your exam, the team reviews your symptoms, as well as your medical and family history. Then, they carefully examine your joints and look for signs and symptoms indicative of psoriatic arthritis.

The team may also request diagnostic tests to assess joint damage and rule out other causes of your joint pain, such as blood tests, X-rays, MRI, ultrasound, or CT scan. 

How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

Treatment for your psoriatic arthritis depends on the severity of your symptoms and the degree of joint damage. For mild symptoms, you may only need nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If your symptoms fail to improve with NSAIDs, the team may prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or immunosuppressants to slow down the progression of your disease.

The experts at Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center may also recommend biologic agents, which are a newer class of DMARDs that target specific parts of your immune system responsible for the inflammation. The team may also suggest the oral medication, apremilast, which decreases the activity of the enzyme responsible for cellular inflammation. 

When left untreated, psoriatic arthritis may lead to permanent joint damage. For expert care, call Pleasanton Arthritis and Osteoporosis Medical Center or schedule an appointment online today.