Psoriasis Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disorder that occurs in some people with psoriasis and is marked by joint inflammation.
Overview and Symptoms
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects approximately 30% of people who have psoriasis, i.e., a skin condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales. Unfortunately, even those with mild psoriasis can develop significant arthritis.
Symptoms include joint pain, stiffness and swelling. As with psoriasis, the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis alternate between flare ups and periods of remission.
There’s no cure for the condition and it does tend to get worse over time. If left untreated, your joints can become severely damaged, so it’s important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have psoriatic arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment options include medications to reduce pain and inflammation, steroid injections, medications to suppress or alter the immune system and, in some cases, joint replacement surgery.
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The Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology provides leading-edge, compassionate care to patients with rheumatic diseases and other disorders of the joints, muscles and ligaments.