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Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Types, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

If you have psoriasis, you may be at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a condition that affects up to 30% of people with psoriasis. While psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, PsA is a type of arthritis that causes joint pain and inflammation. It’s essential to understand the different types of PsA, their symptoms, and available treatments to manage the condition effectively.

The Five Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

PsA comes in five forms, each with distinct characteristics and symptoms. Your doctor will diagnose the type of PsA you have based on your symptoms, medical history, and other factors.

1. Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis

Asymmetric PsA is the most common type, affecting at least 60% of people with PsA. It causes pain and inflammation in individual joints, rather than in pairs. Symptoms may include fatigue, blurred vision, swollen fingers or toes, pitting or cracking nails, and swollen, tender, stiff, or painful joints.

2. Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis

Symmetric PsA affects both sides of the body simultaneously, representing 15-61% of cases. It’s more common in women and often affects the smaller joints of the feet or hands. Symptoms are similar to asymmetric PsA, but may also include symmetrical joint pain and stiffness.

3. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) Psoriatic Arthritis

DIP PsA affects about 10% of people with PsA, targeting the joints near the tips of the toes and fingers. It can cause nail problems, such as pitting, crumbling, or discoloration. Symptoms also include swollen fingers or toes, ligament or tendon pain, and reduced range of motion.

4. Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis

Spondylitis PsA affects around 7-32% of people with PsA, targeting the joints between the spinal vertebrae. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the neck, back, feet, hips, arms, and legs.

5. Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans

PsA mutilans is a rare but severe form of PsA, affecting about 5% of people with PsA. It causes extreme inflammation, leading to joint damage, deformities, and bone loss. Symptoms include severe pain, deformities to affected joints, bone loss, and reduced range of motion.

Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis

While there is no cure for PsA, various treatments can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation, and slow disease progression. Treatment plans depend on the type of PsA, severity of symptoms, and individual lifestyle factors. Your doctor may recommend:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Oral corticosteroids
• Biologic drugs
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Intra-articular joint injections
• Immunosuppressants
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

In addition to medical treatments, lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and exercising regularly, can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall health.

Takeaway

Psoriatic arthritis is a complex condition that requires personalized treatment and management. By understanding the different types of PsA, their symptoms, and available treatments, you can work with your doctor to develop an effective plan to manage your condition and improve your quality of life.