What is psoriatic arthritis?
In this article below, esteemed consultant rheumatologist, Dr Anita Weerakoon, details what exactly psoriatic arthritis is, outlines the main associated symptoms, and tells us how this type of arthritis is generally treated.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that can affect joints in the spine, arms, hands, legs, and feet, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling of joints. Not only that, but it can also cause inflammation in areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones.
What is the relationship between psoriatic arthritis and arthritis?
Psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that causes red patches or plaques covered with white or silvery scales. These plaques are commonly seen on elbows, knees and scalps in patients with psoriasis. People with psoriasis can develop and suffer from a type of arthritis known as psoriatic arthritis.
What are the warning signs of psoriatic arthritis?
The main warning signs of psoriatic arthritis include the following:
- joint pain
- joint swelling
- joint stiffness
- pain and stiffness around joints, back of heels or bottom of heels
- pain and stiffness in neck
- upper back and lower back pain
How serious is psoriatic arthritis?
If psoriatic arthritis is not identified and treated, it can progress to cause irreversible damage to joints and cause joint deformities.
What are the treatment options?
Many treatment options are available for patients with psoriatic arthritis. Medications used for treating psoriatic arthritis could be tablets or injections.
To schedule in an appointment with Dr Anita Weerakoon, visit her Top Doctors profile today.