Psoriatic Arthritis

Chronic skin and nail disease is associated with arthritis, known as psoriatic arthritis. The rashes are red and scaly, and the nails are thick and pitted with psoriasis. The symptoms and joint swelling of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (inflammation). However, compared to RA, it affects fewer joints. And it doesn’t produce the typical antibodies for RA. 

 Types of psoriatic arthritis 

 A condition that causes small joints in the hands and feet to become inflamed. 

• Asymmetrical arthritis of the hands and feet 
• Symmetrical polyarthritis is a condition similar to RA in appearance and symptoms. 
• Arthritis mutilans is a rare form of arthritis that causes joint damage and deformity. 
• Inflammation of the sacroiliac sac and the spine in patients with psoriatic spondylitis 
• Psoriatic arthritis can be brought on by a variety of factors. 
• Psoriatic arthritis is a mystery to doctors. Immunity, genetics, and the environment all have a role to play. 

Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by the following: 

• If you have psoriasis, you may or may not have arthritis symptoms first. Psoriasis is characterized by red, scaly skin lesions, thick, pitted fingernails, and other symptoms. Psoriatic arthritis can develop in 3–10% of people with psoriasis. 
• Inflamed, swollen, and painful joints, most commonly in the fingers and toes 

• Deformed joints because of long-term inflammation. 
• Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can mimic those of other illnesses. Make an appointment with your doctor to get a diagnosis. 

Psoriatic arthritis can be diagnosed in a few different ways. 

 You are more likely to be diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis if you already have it. It’s more difficult to diagnose if you don’t have skin symptoms. 

 A medical history and physical examination are the first steps in the process. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms. Blood tests may be necessary to determine the following: 

• The erythrocyte sedimentation rate test results. 

The speed at which red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube is measured in this experiment. Proteins in the blood clump together and become heavier than normal when swelling and inflammation are present. They fall and settle more quickly at the bottom of the tube. When blood cells fall faster, the inflammation gets worse. 

• Uric Acid levels 

When it comes to diagnosing or monitoring psoriatic arthritis, high blood uric acid levels are not a factor. 

• Imaging. 

There are a variety of diagnostic tools that can be used to help determine the cause of a patient’s illness. 

  Is there a way to treat psoriatic arthritis? 

 Your symptoms, age, and overall health will all play a role in the treatment plan that you devise for yourself. The severity of your illness will also play a role in how effective your treatment is. 

It is possible to treat both skin conditions and joint inflammation. Prevention of joint damage is made easier with early detection and treatment of disease. 

 In the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, some medicines include: 

• In order to alleviate symptoms, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) are used. 
• If NSAIDs don’t work to reduce inflammation, immunosuppressants like methotrexate may be needed. 
• Bone deformation can be slowed by taking vitamins and minerals like calcium and vitamin D. 

 The following treatments may also be used: 

• Exercise, heat, and cold therapy 
• The improvement of daily activities and functional activities of the hand is achieved through occupational therapy. 
• Therapy to improve the functionality of your muscles and joints through physical therapy. 
• Psoriasis skin rash treatment 
• Splints 
• Surgery for joint replacement in later stages, 
• Treatment with ultra-violet light (UVB or PUVA) 

 Who can help? 

An annual campaign to raise awareness of arthritis takes place during the month of May. The significance of this observation is to bring attention to a condition that currently affects over 53 million Americans and is expected to grow to over 67 million people (about twice the population of California) by the year 2030. It costs more than $156 million a year in medical bills and lost wages, making it the leading cause of disability. 

 At Doral Health and Wellness, the expert prioritizes your wellness over your pains and assists you in treating arthritic conditions. As part of the celebration of Arthritis Awareness Month, we are open for further assistance and inquiries at 1-347-384-5690. For more information, you can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org or contact us at info@doralhw.org if you have any queries.