Psoriatic Arthritis
August 28, 2008 · Print This Article
According to a survey by the Psoriasis Foundation, psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that has been diagnosed in about 23 percent of people who have psoriasis. It normally affects the ends of the fingers and toes and the spine. The disease can be difficult to diagnose, especially in its milder forms and earlier stages. An early diagnosis is important for preventing long-term damage to joints and tissue.
Most people with psoriatic arthritis also have psoriasis. In very rare cases, a person can have psoriatic arthritis without having psoriasis.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis:
• Reduced motion range
• Pain and redness of the eye, similar to conjunctivitis
• Swelling, pain, stiffness and tenderness of the joints and surrounding soft tissue
• Nail changes, including lifting of the nail or pitting
• Morning tiredness and stiffness
Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any time. On a normal average, it appears about ten years after the first signs of psoriasis. It appears between the ages of 30 and 50 and affects men and women equally. Arthritis symptoms normally occur before any skin lesions, in about one of seven people with psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis is thought to be caused by a malfunctioning immune system. It is usually milder than rheumatoid arthritis, but some patients have as severe a disease as patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis may start gradually with mild symptoms, or it can arise quickly. It is important to have an early and accurate diagnosis, as far as possible. If left without proper treatment, psoriatic arthritis can be a progressively disabling disease. As a matter of fact, one half of those with psoriatic arthritis already have bone loss by the time the disease is diagnosed.
There are no definitive tests for psoriatic arthritis but the onset of joint swelling and pain in persons with psoriasis should be a warning signal. Treatment involves disease-modifying and anti-inflammatory medications. Methotrexate is probably a good starting point. Additionally, drugs like etanercept, adalimumab, and infliximab are usually commenced soon after methotrexate.
