Psoriatic Arthritis
September 24th, 2009
The National Psoriasis Foundation estimates that 10 to 30% of Americans afflicted with the skin condition of psoriasis also suffer with a form of inflammatory arthritis called psoratic arthritis. Men and women are affected by this disorder equally. The actual cause of psoratic arthritis is unknown but it’s believed that genetic factors and family history contribute to the development of this disease. An individual with a parent who has psoriasis is three times more likely to develop the skin disorder. This then increases the risk for psoratic arthritis. People betweent he ages of 30 and 50 are most likely to be diagnosed with psoratic arthritis but it can strike at any age.
Individuals affected by psoriasis may experience a sudden onset of symptoms or they may notice a more subtle onset. Morning fatigue, stiffness, pain, swelling, or tenderness in one or more joints, and decreased range of motion in joints are some symptoms associated with psoratic arthritis. Tenderness and pain in ligaments and tendons or are additional symptoms. Pitting of the fingernails or loss of fingernails or toenails are also a possible sign. Gray scaly spots found on elbows, knees, scalp, or the lower spine are also a concern.
A diagnosis of psoratic arthritis is typically based on several factors and diagnostic tests. The onset of the symptoms described above often motivate an individual to seek the services of their primary care provider. The provider will likely perform a physical examination, review the individual’s medical history, and perform x-rays of the joints and blood tests to make a definitive diagnosis of psoratic arthritis.
There is currently no cure for psoratic arthritis. Researchers continue to search for arthritis cures, but the focus at this time is commonly arthritis pain relief. A variety of treatment measures are available for arthritis relief. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are common pharmaceutical approaches. NSAIDs and corticosteroids relieve arthritis pain and reduce inflammation while DMARDs work to slow the progression of the disease. Moderate routine exercise is an important part of treatment for psoratic arthritis. Heat and cold therapy are common treatments to fight the pain and inflammation associated with this disorder. is another approach to treatment. Splinting and surgical intervention are additional treatment options to fight the symptoms of this disorder