Autoimmune/Rheumatic

Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis — a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Most people develop psoriasis first and are later diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, but the joint problems can sometimes begin before skin patches appear.

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Symptoms

3

Causes

4

Treatments

2

Prevention

Condition Overview

Understand key symptoms, causes, diagnosis options, and treatment pathways for Psoriatic Arthritis. This overview is intended for patient awareness and should be followed by specialist consultation.

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Symptoms

  • Swollen fingers and toes (dactylitis, 'sausage digits')
  • Foot pain (heel and sole)
  • Lower back pain
  • Joint stiffness and swelling
  • Nail changes (pitting, separation from nail bed)
  • Eye inflammation

Causes

  • Autoimmune
  • Genetic factors
  • Environmental triggers

Diagnosis

  • Physical examination
  • Blood tests (rule out RA)
  • Joint fluid analysis
  • Imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound)

Treatment

  • NSAIDs
  • DMARDs (methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide)
  • Biologic agents (TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors)
  • PDE4 inhibitors (apremilast)

Risk Factors

  • Having psoriasis
  • Family history
  • Age 30–50

Prevention

  • No known prevention
  • Treating psoriasis aggressively may reduce PsA risk

Prevalence

Affects approximately 30% of people with psoriasis; about 1 million Americans.