Recognizing and treating psoriatic arthritis is important to prevent permanent joint damage. Early signs can vary, ranging from mild to severe, including:

1. Swelling in fingers and toes (“sausage” digits), or in the heel.
2. Changes in your nails like pitting, ridges or thickening.
3. Back pain with stiffness, usually worse in the morning.
4. Persistent pain and swelling of the joints.

“If there is persistent pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and eye redness or irritation in your eye that can also be an indication for further clinical review,” said Dr. Lisa Francis, Marshfield Clinic Health System rheumatologist. A form of psoriatic arthritis called spondylitis causes pain and inflammation in the spine.

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms mimic those of rheumatoid arthritis. Lab tests and a clinical exam confirm diagnosis.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriasis is a common itchy, scaly skin disease. Arthritis is joint pain and inflammation. Unfortunately, some people experience a combination of both: psoriatic arthritis.

If you have psoriatic arthritis, your immune system attacks your joints where muscles and tendons connect to bone. Inflammation causes pain and stiffness, leading to joint damage.

Causes and treatment of psoriatic arthritis

Causes are unknown. But, there are some patterns. Psoriatic arthritis seems to be:

• More common in women 40-50 years old (but can affect anyone).
• More common in people with a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
• Triggered by environmental factors, viral or bacterial infections, and injuries.

Treatment can improve symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage. “Recently, more medications have been approved for psoriatic arthritis to help target treatments,” Francis said.

Medications range from nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) and biological agents. The goal for treatment is to reduce inflammation, control pain and slow disease progression.

“Each person is different, so we individualize treatment to find what works,” Francis said.

Some of these medications can weaken your immune system. That said, receiving immunizations is important to prevent common infections. Your doctor monitors your lab results and watches for side effects. Then, they adjust treatments if needed.

Healthy lifestyle choices reduce inflammation

It’s important to keep psoriatic arthritis under control. Low-impact exercise, staying within an ideal weight range and decreasing inflammation can help. You can decrease inflammation by limiting sugar, processed foods and red meat.

For help with joint pain, talk to a Marshfield Clinic Health System Rheumatology provider.

Find a Rheumatology provider Learn more about Rheumatology

Related Shine365 Posts

Eat these foods for less joint pain

Tips for treating joint pain in cold weather

Try water exercises for joint pain

Child limping in the morning? Could be juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Signs and treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease

Same-day discharge after surgery with total joint replacements option for patients