Some people with psoriasis develop a type of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis, which typically causes the affected joints to become inflamed, swollen, stiff, and painful. Psoriatic arthritis, like the skin condition psoriasis, is a long-term condition that can worsen over time. In severe cases, the affected joints might also face permanent damage, which may even require surgical treatment. This treatment is definitely possible, but it is possible to slow down the progression of the condition and even minimize or prevent permanent damage to the joints with early diagnosis and the right treatment.
When should one approach a doctor?
Although the pain, swelling, and stiffness that is often associated with psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, the condition mostly affects the hands, feet, knees, spine, neck, and the elbows. The severity of the condition can vary from person to person. Some people may only notice mild symptoms in one or two joints, whereas others may have severe problems affecting multiple joints. There are times when the condition undergoes a remission, and the symptoms improve and worsen again. Relapses, though very difficult to predict, can often be managed with medications. If one experiences constant swelling or stiffness in the joints, they need to consult the general physician, even if they have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and know that the condition is the cause of the inflammation or pain. Check-ups at least once a year are required to monitor the condition if one is diagnosed with the condition.
Whom does the condition affect?
Psoriatic arthritis is a very common condition with at least one or two out of five people developing it. Normally, it develops in a person within ten years of being diagnosed with psoriasis, but some people may first experience problems with their joints before they notice any symptoms affecting their skin. Psoriatic arthritis, like psoriasis, is an autoimmune disease, which means it is a result of the immune system mistakenly attacking the healthy cells. It is still an enigma as to why only certain people diagnosed with psoriasis develop this condition and others don’t.
How is it diagnosed?
In case the doctor suspects that one may have arthritis, they may refer them to see a rheumatologist for an assessment. Psoriatic arthritis is usually diagnosed by a rheumatologist if they have psoriasis and problems involving their joints. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other types of arthritis will also be ruled out. Blood tests check for inflammation signs in the body and also for the presence of certain antibodies; X-rays or scans of the joints that are affected are also ways to diagnose the condition.
People suffering from psoriatic arthritis are at risk of developing conditions like cardiovascular diseases (CVD). CVD is a term used to describe the conditions of the heart or blood vessels, like heart disease and stroke. One needs to have regular checkups to ensure that they are not suffering from any other conditions.
