Psoriatic arthritis
Overview
Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Medicines can help treat the symptoms.
Symptoms
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include: pain, swelling and stiffness in 1 or more jointsswollen fingers or toesyour nails changing from their usual colour, or tiny dents or pits developing in your nailsfeeling drained of energy Symptoms can be worse first thing in the morning and may improve with exercise. Some people may also getsymptoms of psoriasis, such as dry scaly skin, at the same time. There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. exercise regularly – low impact exercises like swimming, walking and yoga can help strengthen and protect your joints exercise regularly – low impact exercises like swimming, walking and yoga can help strengthen and protect your joints try to lose weight if you're overweight to reduce pressure on your joints try to lose weight if you're overweight to reduce pressure on your joints cut down on alcohol if you're taking medicines – alcohol can affect medicines cut down on alcohol if you're taking medicines – alcohol can affect medicines do not smoke because it can make symptoms of psoriatic arthritis worse do not smoke because it can make symptoms of psoriatic arthritis worse do not use herbal remedies because they may interfere with any medicines you're taking do not use herbal remedies because they may interfere with any medicines you're taking
Causes
Some people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis. It can sometimes develop after you've had psoriasis for many years. Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue. It's not clear why some people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis but others do not.
Treatment
Medicines are the main treatment for psoriatic arthritis. If a medicine does not help with your symptoms tell your doctor. Another medicine may work better for you. The medicines used to treat psoriatic arthritis include: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)– they come as tablets, creams or gels and can help with mild symptomssteroid injections – a steroid medicine is injected into a joint to help ease the paindisease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – used for moderate to severe symptoms, DMARDs can take several months to work so keep taking them even if you do not feel better straight awaybiological treatments – usually given by injection, biological treatments can be used if DMARDs do not help Your doctor may also refer you to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or both. A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to help strengthen your joints and prevent joint damage. An occupational therapist can discuss adjustments you can make at home and at work. For example, they may recommend equipment that makes certain tasks easier.
Prevention
Manage psoriasis well (though specific prevention unknown).
When to see a doctor
See GP if: joint pain/swelling (especially if you have psoriasis).