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Definition of Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is the joint pain, stiffness and swelling some people with the skin condition psoriasis experience. This possibly debilitating condition can occur before or after psoriasis is diagnosed.

  1. Risk Factors

    • One of the major risk factors if developing psoriatic arthritis is having psoriasis, especially on your nails. Other factors include family history and being between 30 and 50 years old.

    Cause

    • Both psoriasis and arthritis are autoimmune disorders, which is when the body's own immune system begins to attack and destroy healthy cells and tissue. Genetics, such as having a close family member with the condition, may play a role in developing psoriatic arthritis.

    Symptoms

    • Psoriatic arthritis tends to worsen over time, although there may be times when symptoms go away or get worse. Common symptoms are similar to regular arthritis, such as painful, swollen joints that feel warm.

    Diagnosis

    • Since joint pain could be attributed to various conditions, your doctor may run tests to differentiate psoriatic arthritis from something else. These tests include X-rays, a joint fluid test and testing for an antibody called rheumatoid factor.

    Treatment

    • There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, so treatment consists of controlling the symptoms associated with the condition. Medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids may be prescribed to help control swelling and pain.

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