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Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Early Warning Signs and Management

If you’re living with psoriasis, you’re at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints, tendons, and ligaments. Up to 30% of people with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, although some may experience only mild cases.

What is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that can affect small or large joints, as well as the spine. It’s caused by your immune system attacking your body, mistaking it for a foreign substance. The disease can start at any age, but typically begins between 30 and 50 years old. While researchers aren’t sure why it develops, they believe there’s a genetic component and an environmental trigger, such as an infection, stress, or physical trauma.

Early Detection is Key

There’s no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but early detection and treatment can significantly improve symptoms and slow the progression of the disease. Unfortunately, more than half of people with psoriatic arthritis wait 2 or more years for a diagnosis because initial signs are missed.

Common Symptoms

The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis vary from person to person and can be mild or severe. They may include:

• Joint Pain and Stiffness: A hallmark of psoriatic arthritis, joint pain and stiffness can affect one or multiple joints, anywhere in the body.
• Joint Swelling or Warmth: Inflammation and swelling are common, causing joints to feel warm to the touch.
• Pitted Nails: Changes to fingernails and toenails, such as pits, lines, or discoloration, affect around 60% of people with psoriatic arthritis.
• Nail Separation: Onycholysis, or nail separation from the nail bed, can occur, especially at the tip of the nail.
• Lower Back Pain: Around 20% of people with psoriatic arthritis develop psoriatic spondylitis, which affects the spine.
• Swollen Fingers or Toes: Dactylitis, or inflammation of the small joints, is common, affecting around 32-48% of people with psoriatic arthritis.
• Eye Inflammation: Uveitis, or inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, affects around 7% of people with psoriatic arthritis.
• Foot Pain: Entheitis, or inflammation of the tendons and ligaments in the feet, can cause pain and swelling.
• Elbow Pain: Psoriatic arthritis can also impact the elbow, causing pain and stiffness.
• Reduced Range of Motion: Swelling in the joints can make everyday tasks difficult.
• Fatigue: Feeling exhausted physically and mentally is common, affecting around half of people with psoriatic arthritis.

Managing Psoriatic Arthritis

While psoriatic arthritis can be painful and debilitating, management is possible with the help of rheumatologists and dermatologists. If you’re experiencing any of these early warning signs, contact a doctor. The sooner you seek treatment, the sooner your doctor can help you find ways to relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Remember, there will be better days and bad days, but with proper management, you can take control of your condition.