What is Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment ?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people who have psoriasis, a chronic skin disorder that causes scaling and inflammation. With psoriatic arthritis, the immune system mistakes the joints and surrounding tissues as foreign and attacks them, causing swelling, stiffness and pain.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment

The most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include pain, swelling and stiffness in and around the joints. The joints commonly affected early in the disease are those of the fingers and toes. Other joints that may be affected include the knees, ankles, elbows, wrists and lower back. Symptoms can include:

Swelling and pain in and around the joints, particularly finger joints and toes. Joints may be red and warm to the touch.

Stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, especially in the morning or after inactivity. Stiffness may last all day.

Low back pain and discomfort in the buttocks region.

Changes in fingernails including pitting, small depressions in the nails or lifting from the nail bed.

Painful cracks or splits in the skin around the fingers or toes.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are five main types of psoriatic arthritis:

Asymmetric oligoarthritis: The most common type, affecting about half of people with psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness in a few joints, often one to three regions of the body, not necessarily symmetrical. Commonly affects the fingers/toes and knees.

Symmetric polyarthritis: Similar symptoms to Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment , causing pain, swelling and stiffness affecting the same joints on both sides of the body, such as both wrists, knees or ankles.

Distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP): Affects the distal interphalangeal joints at the tips of the fingers and causes them to become swollen, stiff and painful. Knuckle pads may form on the joints.

Arthritis mutilans: A rare but severe form causing dramatic destruction of finger and toe joints through erosion of bone and ankylosis of joints in fixed positions. Deformities result.

Spondylitis: Inflammation of the spine (spondylitis) causing pain, stiffness and eventual fusion of the vertebrae. It most commonly affects the lower spine.

Causes and Risk Factors of Psoriatic Arthritis

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but genetics seems to play an important role. Risk factors include:

Family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. Having a close relative with psoriatic arthritis increases risk.

Psoriasis. Almost all people with psoriatic arthritis have psoriasis or a personal history of psoriasis.

Gender. Psoriatic arthritis is slightly more common in women than men. Spondylitis occurs equally in both sexes.

Ethnicity. Psoriatic arthritis is more common in people with European and Mediterranean heritage.

Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis

To diagnose psoriatic arthritis, a doctor will take a thorough medical history and examine the joints and skin. Diagnostic tests may include:

X-rays to detect joint damage. Early on X-rays may be normal but can detect bone erosion as disease progresses.

MRI scan to detect inflammation in joints and tendons.

Blood tests to check inflammation markers like ESR or CRP. Anti-CCP antibody test may also be used to rule out rheumatoid arthritis.

There is no single test to definitively diagnose psoriatic arthritis. The diagnosis involves a combination of persistent signs and symptoms of arthritis and psoriasis, along with certain test results and exclusion of other possible diagnoses. Consulting a rheumatologist is recommended if psoriatic arthritis is suspected.

Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

Treatment focuses on reducing joint inflammation, pain and preventing joint damage and disability. Therapy is individualized based on the type and severity of psoriatic arthritis. Treatment options include:

Medications. NSAIDs can help ease pain and swelling. Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biologics are used to reduce disease activity and prevent joint damage. Common biologics are etanercept, adalimumab, infliximab, certolizumab pegol and ustekinumab.

Heat/cold therapy and exercise. Application of heat/cold packs can relieve pain and stiffness. Gentle activity like walking and yoga helps joints.

Joint protection. This involves pacing activity, joint rest during flares, using assistive devices and joint-safe techniques.

Weight control. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on weight-bearing joints like hips and knees.

Surgery. In some severe cases, joint surgery may be needed to repair or replace severely damaged joints.

Psoriasis treatment. Managing skin lesions through topical agents, light therapy and other measures can benefit arthritis.

Living with and Managing Psoriatic Arthritis

An individualized treatment plan managed long-term with a rheumatologist can help control symptoms and minimize joint damage from psoriatic arthritis. Lifestyle steps are also important.

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Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)