Psoriatic Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
التهاب المفاصل الصدفي
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease affecting joints, tendons or the spine in some people with psoriasis. Joint symptoms can appear before a skin rash.
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Not every ache in someone with psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis, and not everyone with psoriasis develops it. Early diagnosis aims to control inflammation and protect joint function.
Related reading: Pseudogout as a different cause of arthritis.
Symptoms
Swollen joints, stiffness after rest, whole-finger or toe swelling, tendon-attachment pain and nail changes may occur. Inflammatory back pain and fatigue can accompany them.
Causes
Abnormal immune activity interacts with genetic susceptibility and environmental factors. The condition is not contagious; skin and joint disease may differ in timing and severity.
Risk factors
Psoriasis and family history increase risk, and different ages can be affected. Discuss medication safety, pregnancy, infection and vaccination with the treating team before and during therapy.
Diagnosis
A rheumatologist combines history, joint examination, skin and nail findings with selected tests and imaging. No single blood test confirms or excludes the condition.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the pattern, severity and associated illnesses. Disease-modifying medicines, biologic or targeted therapies and rehabilitation may be needed; pain relief alone may not prevent joint damage.
Complications
Uncontrolled inflammation can damage joints and impair movement, with wider health and emotional effects. Regular follow-up assesses treatment response, adverse effects and necessary adjustments.
Prevention
There is no certain prevention. Report joint swelling or stiffness early if you have psoriasis. Suitable exercise, weight management and smoking cessation support disease management.
When to see a doctor
Arrange review for recurrent swelling or stiffness, particularly with psoriasis or nail changes. A painful red eye or altered vision requires urgent assessment for possible internal eye inflammation.