Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Key Symptoms to Watch For
Learn to recognize the primary symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, including joint pain, swelling, and spinal inflammation. Early diagnosis is essential for effective management and preventing complications like eye inflammation and heart disease. Understand the signs and when to seek medical advice to maintain overall health and wellbeing.
Psoriatic arthritis is a joint disorder characterized by pain and swelling caused by inflammation, often occurring in individuals with psoriasis—a skin condition marked by red, scaly patches. Psoriasis typically appears on elbows, knees, scalp, or back, though some people may develop arthritis without skin symptoms, or prior to them.
How to recognize if you have psoriatic arthritis?
This condition can impact any age and gender. Although linked to psoriasis, some affected individuals develop other arthritis forms like rheumatoid or osteoarthritis independently.
Common signs include:
Persistent joint pain and swelling, often with stiffness.
Swelling of fingers and toes called dactylitis, caused by inflammation.
Pain in the lower back, buttocks, and neck due to spinal inflammation, known as spondylitis.
Pain and swelling at the Achilles tendon attachment, affecting heels.
Enthesitis, pain in tendons where they connect to bones, may also occur.
These symptoms frequently affect areas like the chest, knees, and hips. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause nail thickening and pitting, as well as fatigue worsened over time due to emotional stress and disease activity.Any joint in the body, up to 78 possible sites, can be affected, though some joints are more susceptible. About 25% of patients experience neck or back discomfort.
Additional impacts of psoriatic arthritis
While major organs are typically unaffected, eye inflammation, such as uveitis or iritis, can occur, risking vision if untreated. It’s vital to promptly consult a healthcare professional if eye symptoms appear. Psoriatic arthritis also raises the risk of cardiovascular issues. Regular medical checkups help identify and manage these complications effectively.
