Overview
People with psoriatic arthritis, a type of arthritis that affects some people, may have psoriatic arthritis. This is a condition where there are red patches on the skin that are topped by silvery scales. Psoriasis is usually diagnosed after skin problems develop.
Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. These symptoms can affect any part, including the spine and fingertips, and can be quite severe. Both psoriatic arthritis and psoriatic dermatitis can cause flares that alternate with periods of remission.
There is no cure for psoriatic, so it is important to manage your symptoms and prevent further damage. Psoriatic arthritis can be very debilitating if it is not treated.+
Signs
Psoriatic arthritis, like psoriasis, is a chronic disease that gets worse over time. However, you might experience periods of improvement or remission in which your symptoms are less severe.
Psoriatic arthritis may affect your joints on one or both sides. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms often look similar to rheumatoid. Both conditions cause the joints to feel warm and painful.
Psoriatic arthritis can also lead to:
- Toes and fingers swellingYour fingers and toes can become painfully swollen from psoriatic arthritis. Before you have any significant joint symptoms, swelling and deformities may occur in your feet and hands.
- Foot pain.Pain from psoriatic arthritis can also be caused by tendons or ligaments that attach to your bones. This includes the back of your heel (Achilles tendinitis), and the sole of your feet (plantar fasciitis).
- Lower back painAs a result of psoriatic, some people may develop spondylitis. Spondylitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the joints between the vertebrae and the pelvis.
When should you see a doctor?
If you suffer from psoriasis, tell your doctor immediately if you experience joint pain. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis could cause severe damage to your joints.
Auses
Psoriatic arthritis is when your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues. This abnormal immune response can cause inflammation in your joints and overproduction of skin cell.
Although it is not clear exactly why the immune system attacks healthy tissues, it is likely that both environmental and genetic factors play a part. Many people suffering from psoriatic disease have a family history of psoriasis and psoriatic. Researchers have identified genetic markers that may be linked to psoriatic arthritis.
People with an inherited tendency to psoriatic arthritis may be affected by physical trauma or environmental factors, such as a viral infection or bacterial infection.
Risk factors
There are several factors that can increase your risk for developing psoriatic arthritis.
- Psoriasis.Psoriasis is the most common risk factor for developing psoriatic. Psoriatic arthritis is more common in those with deformed or pitted nails.
- Your family history.Many people suffering from psoriatic arthritis have a parent, sibling or other relative with the disease.
- Your age.Psoriatic arthritis can be developed by anyone, but it is most common in those between the ages 30 and 50.
Complications
A small number of people suffering from psoriatic arthritis will develop arthritis mutilans, a disabling, severe form of the disease. Arthritis mutilans can lead to permanent disability and deformity of the hands.
Psoriatic arthritis can lead to eye problems like pinkeye (conjunctivitis), uveitis, and other conditions that can result in blurred vision, painful red eyes, and even worse, blurred vision. They are also more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.