Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options

Nearly 1.5 million Americans have psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a chronic rheumatologic illness that affects both the skin and joints. PsA isn’t as common as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it shares similar symptoms and can significantly impact your quality of life. 

At Katy Rheumatology & Associates, P.A., in Katy, Texas, board-certified rheumatologist Padma Chimata, MD, FACP, AGS, and our compassionate team provide high-quality care for PsA. Take a moment as we explore what causes PsA, highlight some common symptoms, and look at  available treatments.

Understanding psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic musculoskeletal condition that affects some people who have psoriasis — an autoimmune disorder that causes red, scaly patches on the skin. PsA also affects people who don’t have psoriasis, but it’s more common in those who do have it.

Like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), PsA is an autoimmune disease, meaning it causes your immune system to attack healthy tissues. Experts don’t know why this happens, but genetic and environmental factors may play a role. 

There’s no cure for PsA, but healthy lifestyle changes and prescription medication can reduce flare-ups and help you feel your best. 

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis affects everyone differently. Some people have symptoms on only one side of the body, while others have them all over. Regardless, telltale signs include:

• Lower back pain
• Swollen fingers and toes
• Foot pain, especially at the back of the heel
• Eye inflammation, such as red, irritated eyes, and blurry vision
  
  

Sometimes, psoriatic arthritis causes nail changes. For example, your fingernails or toenails may become pitted and brittle or may even separate from the nail bed. 

Because these symptoms are similar to those of other medical conditions, identifying the cause is key. 

When to see a doctor about psoriatic arthritis

Make an appointment with our caring team if you have any symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, such as swollen, painful joints and/or lower back pain. This is especially important if you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis and your symptoms worsen during flare-ups. 

PsA can permanently damage your joints, so prompt treatment is crucial to help prevent lasting complications.

Diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis: what to expect

There isn’t a specific test that diagnoses psoriatic arthritis, but several screenings can rule out similar conditions, such as RA and gout. 

After reviewing your medical records and discussing your symptoms, we examine your joints for swelling and tenderness, check your nails for abnormalities, and press on your heels and the soles of your feet to identify sensitive areas.

We also complete imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, to check for joint damage, and we may order several lab tests, including a rheumatoid factor (RF) and joint fluid analysis. The RF test examines your blood for an antibody associated with rheumatoid arthritis, while the joint fluid test analyzes a sample of fluid for uric acid crystals.

If these tests rule out similar conditions, we make personalized treatment recommendations. Depending on your symptoms and their severity, we could suggest:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce swelling
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to slow PsA’s progression
• Biologic agents to reduce swelling, pain, and joint damage
• Physical or occupational therapy to support mobility and ease pain
• Steroid injections

Most people who have PsA benefit from several of these conservative treatments. However, if your symptoms worsen or you have severe joint damage, we may recommend joint replacement surgery. 

Joint replacement surgery replaces a damaged joint with a prosthetic joint made of metal or plastic. This eases pain, supports mobility, and restores your full range of motion.

Contact us today to begin psoriatic arthritis treatment 

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease, but we can help you manage it safely and effectively. Contact us today if you need help developing a personalized psoriatic arthritis treatment plan. Call our office in Katy or book an appointment online.