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Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is joint pain and swelling that occurs in some people who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes scaly skin patches. People who have psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis later. In some cases, psoriatic arthritis develops before psoriasis.
![Front view of knee joint showing inflammation and arthritis.](505983.img)
How to say it
sor-ee-A-tik arthritis
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
Doctors don't know the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis. But it's linked to problems with the body’s infection-fighting system (immune system). Other factors include:
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Family history. People who have psoriatic arthritis often have relatives with either psoriasis or arthritis, or both.
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Certain infections. These include strep infections and HIV.
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Environment. Stress, injury to skin, and certain medicines may trigger psoriasis to become active.
What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
Symptoms may include:
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Pain, tenderness, and swelling in any joint, including the spine
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Joint or back stiffness, especially in the morning
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Patches of rough skin that are usually red underneath and scaly and white or silver on top
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Fingernail problems, such as pitted, or crumbly nails, or nails that are detached from the nail bed
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Pain and swelling where muscles attach to bones
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Swelling of fingers or toes
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Eye redness or inflammation
How is psoriatic arthritis treated?
Psoriatic arthritis doesn't go away. It's a long-term (chronic) condition that needs long-term treatment. Medicines are an important part of treatment. These medicines are often used:
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Prescription or over-the-counter pain medicines to help reduce swelling and pain
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Prescription medicines that limit the effect of the immune system. They may reduce or prevent joint damage. Methotrexate is a pill commonly used. Biologic and targeted synthetic medicines and skin patches may also be used to treat psoriatic arthritis.
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Steroid injections in affected joints to help ease symptoms
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Topical medicines for rough skin patches to ease discomfort and dryness
In addition to medicines, these treatments may be recommended:
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Regular exercise to improve flexibility and strength
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Physical therapy to help ease pain and improve flexibility
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Heat packs to help ease pain and swelling
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Shoe inserts to keep your feet and ankles stable, and to help with foot pain
What are the complications of psoriatic arthritis?
Possible complications include:
When should I call my healthcare provider?
Call your healthcare provider right away if any of the following occur:
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You have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
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You have pain that gets worse
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You have symptoms that don’t get better, or symptoms that get worse
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You develop new symptoms
Online Medical Reviewer:
Diane Horowitz MD
Online Medical Reviewer:
Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer:
Rita Sather RN
Date Last Reviewed:
8/1/2022
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