Watch for signs of psoriatic arthritis
Anyone with psoriasis or a family history of psoriasis should stay alert to changes in his or her joints and tendons, such as pain, swelling and stiffness. Early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis can prevent damage to the joints. TheJoint Smart Coalition, a "joint" effort of the National Psoriasis Foundation and the Arthritis Foundation, has information about the disease, including what to watch for.
- Most (but not all) people who have psoriatic arthritis had
skin psoriasis first. - Arthritis can develop whether skin psoriasis is mild, moderate or severe.
- Men and women are equally at risk for psoriatic arthritis.
- Most people develop the disease between the ages of 30 and 55.
- Researchers have found that people with psoriasis involving the nailsare more likely to have psoriatic arthritis.
If you have symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, ask your doctor to refer you
to a rheumatologist, a physician with special training in arthritis.
Find a rheumatologist >
Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis
Early diagnosis of arthritis can reduce the risk of permanent joint damage.
Psoriatic arthritis is one of more than 100 types of arthritis. Symptoms can be similar to other disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis.
A rheumatologist will use results from physical examinations and/or blood tests and X-rays to make a diagnosis. Learn more >
Treatment
There are many treatments for psoriatic arthritis, including prescription and nonprescription Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce symptoms and systemic treatments that slow the progression of the disease.NSAIDs include aspirin and ibuprofen.
Treatment goals include preventing joint damage, easing pain, and retaining joint function.
Living with psoriatic arthritis
Living with psoriatic arthritis can be challenging. Resources for living
with the disease are available from the Joint Smart Coalition.
(GCS) GotClearSkin.com
Skin | Hair | Body | Psoriasis Treatments and More!
Recent Comments