Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)

Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation in the joints and skin.

It is a form of inflammatory arthritis that often affects individuals with psoriasis, a skin condition that causes red, scaly patches. PsA can vary widely in severity and may lead to joint damage if left untreated.

You may have symptoms of pain and inflammation in your:

What Are the Signs/Symptoms?

• Joint Symptoms:

  • Pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, commonly in the fingers, toes, knees, and lower back.

  • Sausage-like swelling in fingers or toes (dactylitis).

  • Stiffness that is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

• Skin and Nail Symptoms:

  • Red, scaly skin patches typical of psoriasis.

  • Nail changes, such as pitting, thickening, or separation from the nail bed.

• Enthesitis:

  • Inflammation at the sites where tendons or ligaments attach to bones, commonly seen in the Achilles tendon or plantar fascia.

• Axial Disease:

  • Inflammation in the spine and sacroiliac joints, leading to pain and stiffness in the back and neck.

What Are Common Treatments?

Psoriatic Arthritis is a lifelong condition that requires a tailored approach to manage symptoms and prevent joint damage:

• Medications:

  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation.

  • Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate.

  • Biologic therapies targeting specific immune pathways (e.g., TNF inhibitors).

  • Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors for certain cases.

• Lifestyle Modifications:

  • Regular exercise to maintain joint function and reduce stiffness.

  • A healthy diet to reduce inflammation and maintain a healthy weight.

  • Stress management techniques, such as mindfulness or yoga.

• Physical and Occupational Therapy: To improve joint mobility and function.

• Surgery: In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be necessary.