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Psoriatic Arthritis
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What
Is It?
What Are the Symptoms?
What Causes It?
How Is It Diagnosed?
Treatment Options
Who Is At Risk?
Resources and Suggestions
More Information About Psoriatic Arthritis
What Is It?
Psoriatic
(sore-EE-AA-tick) arthritis causes pain and swelling in some joints and scaly skin patches
on some areas of the body. It is related to the skin condition psoriasis.
What Are the Symptoms?
About 95% of those
with psoriatic arthritis have swelling in joints outside the spine, and more than 80% of
people with psoriatic arthritis have nail lesions. The course of psoriatic arthritis
varies, with most doing reasonably well. Symptoms include:
- Silver or grey scaly
spots on the scalp, elbows, knees and/or lower end of the spine.
- Pitting of
fingernails/toenails
- Pain and swelling in
one or more joints
- Swelling of
fingers/toes that gives them a "sausage" appearance.
What Causes It?
The cause is not yet
known. It may be partly inherited and environment might play a role.
How Is It Diagnosed?
May involve X-rays,
blood tests and joint fluid tests.
Treatment Options
- Skin care
- Light treatment (UVB or
PUVA)
- Corrective cosmetics
- Medications: glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs)
such as methotrexate,
sulfasalazine, gold, cyclosporine
- Exercise
- Rest
- Heat and cold
- Splints
- Surgery (rarely)
Who Is At Risk?
Psoriatic arthritis
affects men and women of all races and usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 50, but
can occur at any age.
More
Information About Psoriatic Arthritis
Resources and Suggestions
We Also Suggest:
- Consult your physician for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Your local chapter can provide a listing of physicians who specialize in arthritis-related conditions.
- Learn to manage your condition -- get involved! Exciting events, volunteer activities and programs, such as the Arthritis Self-Help Course, support groups and exercise programs (consult your physician). Use the Chapter Locator to find activities near you.
- Arthritis Today magazine -- Search for more information or visit Your Arthritis Store to subscribe on-line!
- Your Arthritis Store -- books, newsletters, Arthritis Foundation membership, videos and more.
- Arthritis Today Drug Guide
- Alternative and Complementary Therapies
- Arthritis Today Supplement Guide
- Frequently asked questions about arthritis, treatments and coping skills.
- Arthritis in children, teens and young adults. Check out the information for parents and teachers, too!
- How to Care for Yourself
- Remember, you're not alone! Connect with other people on Message Boards.
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