Below, you’ll find must-know information about psoriatic arthritis (PsA).
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, a disease that causes red patches of skin covered in silvery scales.
Most people get psoriasis years before they get psoriatic arthritis. However, for some people, joint problems appear before or at the same time as skin patches.
While the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary from person to person, the symptoms are similar to those of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, making diagnosis difficult.
Early diagnosis is vital to prevent further damage to joints.
In addition to reducing pain, early treatment of psoriatic arthritis can help a patient achieve relief from chronic joint pain. When psoriatic arthritis symptoms are recognizable, treatment is possible.
Because psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmunity disorder, the cause is unknown.
Studies suggest that genes and the environment may play a role. Early diagnosis and treatment may prevent severe joint damage and relieve pain.
If left untreated for an extended length of time, psoriatic arthritis may result in the development of arthritis mutilans, a permanent bone malformation that causes disability and make you a high risk for cardiovascular disease, conjunctivitis, uveitis, and infection.
Here are the various critical psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs you should know about.
9. Painful, Swollen Joints Of Toes, Fingers, Ankle, Lower Back
The primary symptoms and indicators of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, swelling of the joints, and edema. They can range from minor to severe, affecting any area of the body, including your fingertips and spine.
One or both sides of your body may be affected by psoriatic arthritis in the joints.
Disease flare-ups and remissions can occur in both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms and signs frequently match rheumatoid arthritis symptoms and indications. Both illnesses result in painful, swollen, and sensitive-to-the-touch joints.
8. Joint Stiffness, Reduced Range Of Motion
Some of the most typical signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are joint stiffness and a decreased range of motion. When you first get up after a rest, joint stiffness typically feels worse. The duration of this can exceed 30 minutes.
You could find it more difficult to stretch your arms, bend your knees, or bend forward if your joints have less range of motion.
Additionally, you might have difficulty using your fingers correctly. People who use their hands for any type of movements, such as typing and drawing, may experience issues as a result.
7. Rashes
Psoriatic arthritis may be characterized by rashes that appear as red patches of skin covered with scales or plaques.
The scalp, elbows, knees, and areas around the ears are common places where rashes can be found.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause rashes that are localized in a few tiny patches, but in other cases, they can develop all over the body.
Rash caused by psoriatic arthritis can take on a variety of forms depending on the patient. It is also possible that some people will just acquire rashes in a few small spots on their bodies, while others could break out in hives all over their bodies.
6. Fatigue
According to research, three out of every ten patients with psoriatic arthritis experience fatigue symptoms, making it appear that these symptoms are more severe in those with psoriatic arthritis than in those who only have psoriasis.
In fact, more than half of psoriatic arthritis patients describe exhaustion as a major issue, ranking above joint pain and before skin problems (5 or higher on a scale of 10).
Some psoriatic arthritis sufferers compare fatigue to their battery running out, while others say they feel too exhausted by mid-afternoon.
5. Tendon Or Ligament Pain
Psoriatic arthritis can inflame both joints and the areas where tendons and ligaments attach, which is one of its distinguishing features. Entheses are these places of attachment, and enthesitis is the inflammation of these spots.
Up to 50% of persons with psoriatic arthritis get enthesitis. Pain and inflammation are signs of psoriatic arthritis (enthesitis) in the tendons and ligaments.
Enthesitis at the bottom of the foot might result in plantar fasciitis. Also susceptible to enthesitis include the fingers, toes, pelvis, knees, and upper body.
4. Conjunctivitis
Some individuals with psoriatic arthritis also develop conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eyes. In inflammatory disorders such as psoriatic arthritis, the immune system targets normally healthy bodily parts.
This results in chronic inflammation that manifests as red eyes, itchy eyes, dry eyes or the sensation of sand in the eyes, blurred vision, pain, or sensitivity to bright light.
In some instances, affected individuals may get conjunctivitis. This may result in unpleasant symptoms. In severe cases, visual loss may result.
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