Psoriatic arthritis (patient information)

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Editors-in-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. Associate Editor-In-Chief: Ujjwal Rastogi, MBBS [mailto:urastogi@perfuse.org]

Overview
Psoriatic arthritis is an arthritis that is often associated with psoriasis of the skin.

What are the symptoms of Psoriatic arthritis?
The arthritis may be mild and involve only a few joints, particularly those at the end of the fingers or toes. In some people the disease may be severe and affect many joints, including the spine. When the spine is affected, the symptoms are stiffness, burning, and pain, most often in the lower spine and sacrum.

People who also have arthritis usually have the skin and nail changes of psoriasis. Often, the skin gets worse at the same time as the arthritis.

What causes Psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that causes red patches on the body. About 1 in 20 people with psoriasis will develop arthritis with the skin condition. In most cases, psoriasis comes before the arthritis.

The cause of psoriatic arthritis is not known, but genes may play a role.

Who is at highest risk?
In general, people who have psoriasis have a higher rate of arthritis than the general population.

When to seek urgent medical care?
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if arthritis symptoms develop along with psoriasis.

Diagnosis
During a physical examination, the health care provider will look for:


 * Joint swelling
 * Skin sores
 * Tenderness

Joint x-rays may be performed.

Treatment options
Your doctor may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) or salicylates to reduce pain and inflammation of the joints.

More severe arthritis requires treatment with more powerful drugs called disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), such as:


 * Leflunomide
 * Methotrexate
 * Sulfasalazine

New medications that block an inflammatory protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF) are becoming the treatment of choice. These include:


 * Adalimumab (Humira)
 * Etanercept (Enbrel)
 * Infliximab (Remicade)

Occasionally, particularly painful joints may be injected with steroid medications.

In rare cases, patients need surgery to repair or replace damaged joints.

Your doctor may suggest a healthy mix of rest and exercise. Physical therapy may help increase the movement of specific joints. You may also use heat and cold therapy. Outlook (Prognosis)

Where to find medical care for Psoriatic arthritis?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Psoriatic arthritis

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
The course of the disease is often mild and affects only a few joints. A few people will have severe psoriatic arthritis in their hands, feet, and spine that causes deformities. In those with severe arthritis, treatment can still be successful in relieving the pain.

Possible complications
Repeated episodes may occur.