Psoriatic Arthritis

Also known as: PsA

Inflammatory arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, involving joints, tendons, nails and sometimes the spine.

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Psoriatic Arthritis

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How it works · Inflammatory arthritis

A healthy joint

Smooth cartilage caps the bone ends, and a thin lining called the synovium makes fluid that keeps the joint gliding.

What it is

Psoriatic arthritis develops in up to 30% of people with psoriasis, usually after the skin disease appears, though sometimes before. It can inflame joints, the places where tendons attach to bone (enthesitis), whole fingers or toes, and the spine.

Symptoms

Swollen, painful joints, often uneven between sides. Sausage-like swelling of a finger or toe (dactylitis). Heel or Achilles pain. Nail pitting or separation. Back stiffness that improves with movement.

How it’s diagnosed

Diagnosis is clinical, based on the pattern of joint, tendon, skin and nail findings. Rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP are usually negative. X-rays, ultrasound or MRI can show inflammation and characteristic bone changes.

Treatment

Mild disease may respond to NSAIDs or methotrexate. Biologics that block TNF, IL-17 or IL-23 treat both skin and joints, and apremilast or JAK inhibitors are oral options. The choice depends on which areas are most affected.

Living with it

Weight loss improves response to treatment. Psoriatic disease raises the risk of heart disease, fatty liver and diabetes, so overall metabolic health is part of care.

← Rheumatoid Arthritis

Axial Spondyloarthritis →

At a glance