An inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis that can affect the joints, spine and tendons, and responds well to early treatment
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis that can develop in people who have psoriasis, the skin condition. It can affect the joints, the spine, and the places where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. The joint problems sometimes appear years after the skin changes, and occasionally before them, so the link is not always obvious.
Written for patients and reviewed by Dr Liubov Borukhson, Consultant Rheumatologist (GMC 7021928).
Psoriatic arthritis can show itself in several ways, and the pattern varies from person to person. Features may include:
Diagnosis draws together your symptoms, any history of psoriasis (including in the family), an examination and appropriate tests. There is no single blood test that confirms it, so the overall picture matters.
Ultrasound is especially helpful in psoriatic arthritis because it can detect inflammation in tendons and at their attachments, as well as in the joints, sometimes before it is visible or easily felt. As Dr Borukhson performs point-of-care ultrasound during the consultation, this can often be assessed in the same visit. You can read more on the ultrasound clinic page.
The aim is to control the inflammation, relieve symptoms and protect the joints and tendons, while also considering the skin. Treatment is individual and is discussed fully with you, and as with other inflammatory arthritis, starting effective treatment early gives the best long-term result.
A range of medications can calm the overactive immune response, and the plan is reviewed over time. Where a particular joint or tendon remains troublesome, an ultrasound-guided injection may help. Any treatment is agreed with you.
Treated early, psoriatic arthritis can usually be well controlled and joint damage limited. If you have psoriasis and develop joint pain, swelling, or heel or tendon pain, a specialist review is worthwhile, even if the symptoms seem minor.
An early specialist assessment, with ultrasound where helpful, can establish whether psoriatic arthritis is involved and start the right treatment
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