Psoriatic Arthritis

Overview

Psoriatic arthritis is a condition which affect primarily people with psoriasis which is a skin disorder. Commonly people develop psoriasis before been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis in later stages after evaluating the symptoms and history.

Signs and Symptoms

Swollen fingers and toes, Beau lines, Enthesopathy, Leukonychia, Dactylitis, Onycholysis, Skin lesions, Oil spots, Psoriasis may occur in hidden sites, Synovitis affecting flexor tendon sheaths

Common Causes

Viral or bacterial infection, Physical trauma, Environmental factors, Autoimmune cause, Genetic factors

Risk Factors

Psoriasis, Family history, Age of 30 to 50.

Investigation Techniques

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Rheumatoid factor, Antinuclear antibodies, Serum IgA levels, Joint fluid test, X-rays, CT scan, MRI

Treatment and Prevention

NSAIDs, Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), Immunosuppressants, TNF-alpha inhibitors, Steroid injections, Joint replacement surgery