Psoriatic Arthritis: Everything You Need to Know

OVERCOMING PSORIASIS: Psoriatic Arthritis, Everything you need to know about Psoriasis, Types Symptoms Causes Triggers Risk factors Complications Diagnosis Treatment options

by Jeffrey L. Roitman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	316 KB
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Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. PsA can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the joints of the hands, feet, spine, and knees.

The symptoms of PsA can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Some people with PsA may only have mild joint pain and stiffness, while others may have severe pain, swelling, and deformity. Common symptoms of PsA include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling of the joints
• Redness and warmth of the joints
• Pain and stiffness in the spine
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Skin problems, such as psoriasis, nail psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis
• Eye problems, such as uveitis

PsA is a chronic condition, but there are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. With proper treatment, most people with PsA can live a full and active life.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are five main types of PsA:

1. Symmetric PsA: This is the most common type of PsA. It affects the joints on both sides of the body in a symmetrical pattern. For example, you may have pain and swelling in both of your knees or both of your hands.
2. Asymmetric PsA: This type of PsA affects the joints on only one side of the body. For example, you may have pain and swelling in only one knee or only one hand.
3. Distal Interphalangeal (DIP) PsA: This type of PsA affects the joints at the ends of the fingers and toes. It can cause pain, swelling, and deformity of the nails.
4. Spondyloarthritis (SpA): This type of PsA affects the spine. It can cause pain, stiffness, and inflammation of the vertebrae.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis with Enthesitis: This type of PsA causes inflammation of the entheses, which are the attachments of tendons and ligaments to bone. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected areas.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

The symptoms of PsA can vary depending on the type of PsA and the severity of the condition. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Joint pain and stiffness
• Swelling of the joints
• Redness and warmth of the joints
• Pain and stiffness in the spine
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Skin problems, such as psoriasis, nail psoriasis, and scalp psoriasis
• Eye problems, such as uveitis

Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis

The exact cause of PsA is unknown, but it is thought to be an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues. In the case of PsA, the immune system attacks the joints, skin, and other tissues.

There are a number of factors that may increase the risk of developing PsA, including:

• Having a family history of PsA
• Having psoriasis
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoking
• Having certain infections, such as strep throat

Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis

There is no single test that can diagnose PsA. Your doctor will diagnose PsA based on your symptoms, a physical examination, and a review of your medical history. Your doctor may also Free Download blood tests, X-rays, or other imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis

There is no cure for PsA, but there are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms. Treatment options include medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.

Medication

There are a number of different medications that can be used to treat PsA. The type of medication that is best for you will depend on the severity of your symptoms and your overall health. Some of the most common medications used to treat PsA include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Biologic drugs
• Corticosteroids

Lifestyle Changes

There are a number of lifestyle changes that can help to manage the symptoms of PsA. These include:

• Losing weight if you are overweight or obese
• Quitting smoking
• Getting regular exercise
• Eating a healthy diet
• Managing stress

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and strengthen muscles. Physical therapy is often an important part of a treatment plan for PsA.

Outlook for Psoriatic Arthritis

The outlook for PsA varies depending on the severity of the condition. With proper treatment, most people with PsA can live a full and active life. However, some people with PsA may experience periods of flare-ups when their symptoms worsen. Flare-ups can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as stress, infection, or injury.

There is no cure for PsA, but there are a number of treatments available to help manage the symptoms. With proper treatment, most people with PsA can live a full and active life.

Additional Resources

• National Psoriasis Foundation
• Arthritis Foundation
• Mayo Clinic
• WebMD

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition, but there are a variety of treatments available to help manage the symptoms. With proper treatment, most people with PsA can live a full and active life.

OVERCOMING PSORIASIS: Psoriatic Arthritis, Everything you need to know about Psoriasis, Types Symptoms Causes Triggers Risk factors Complications Diagnosis Treatment options

by Jeffrey L. Roitman

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	316 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	19 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE