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Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales. You usually get them on your elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet, but they can show up on other parts of your body.

Some people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis. It causes pain, stiffness, and swelling of the joints. It is often mild, but can sometimes be serious and affect many joints. The joint and skin problems don't always happen at the same time.

Your doctor will do a physical exam and imaging tests to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. There is no cure, but medicines can help control inflammation and pain. In rare cases, you might need surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

The following features are indicative of Psoriatic Arthritis:
  • swollen fingers
  • swollen toes
  • foot pain
  • lower back pain
  • stiffness
  • burning
  • pain
  • skin changes
  • nail pattern changes

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Common Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis

The following are the most common causes of Psoriatic Arthritis:
  • genetic factors
  • abnormal immune response
  • family history of either psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
  • viral or bacterial infection

Risk Factors for Psoriatic Arthritis

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Psoriatic Arthritis:
  • psoriasis
  • family history
  • adults between the ages of 30 and 50

Prevention of Psoriatic Arthritis

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Psoriatic Arthritis. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • maintain a healthy weight
  • regularly exercise

Occurrence of Psoriatic Arthritis

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Psoriatic Arthritis cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Psoriatic Arthritis most commonly occurs in the following age group:
  • Aged between 35-50 years

Common Gender

Psoriatic Arthritis can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Psoriatic Arthritis:
  • X-rays: To pinpoint changes in the joints that occur in psoriatic arthritis but not in other arthritic conditions
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To produce very detailed images of both hard and soft tissues in body
  • Rheumatoid factor (RF): To distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis
  • Joint fluid test: To distinguish between gout and psoriatic arthritis

Doctor for Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis:
  • Rheumatologist

Complications of Psoriatic Arthritis if untreated

Yes, Psoriatic Arthritis causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Psoriatic Arthritis is left untreated:
  • arthritis mutilans
  • permanent deformity
  • permanent disability
  • conjunctivitis
  • uveitis
  • cardiovascular disease

Procedures for Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

The following procedures are used to treat Psoriatic Arthritis:
  • Joint replacement surgery: To replace severely damaged joints due to psoriatic arthritis with artificial prostheses made of metal and plastic

Self-care for Psoriatic Arthritis

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Psoriatic Arthritis:
  • Maintain healthy weight: Helps placing less strain on joints, leading to reduced pain and increased energy and mobility
  • Avoid falling: Helps to prevent worsening of condition
  • Regular exercise: Helps to keep joints flexible and muscles strong

Patient Support for Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis

The following actions may help Psoriatic Arthritis patients:
  • Family and friends support: Provides emotional support for patients facing the physical and psychological challenges of psoriatic arthritis
  • Counselor: Helps reducing stress levels

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 5/16/2020.
This page provides information for Psoriatic Arthritis.

Related Topics

Arthritis
Psoriasis

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