Signs and symptoms psoriatic arthritis
Signs and symptoms psoriatic arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects some individuals with psoriasis, a skin disease characterized by red, scaly patches. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis is essential for early diagnosis and management, which can significantly improve quality of life and prevent joint damage. This form of arthritis exhibits a diverse range of manifestations, often making it challenging to diagnose initially.
One of the hallmark signs of psoriatic arthritis is joint pain and stiffness. Typically, individuals experience persistent aching, tenderness, and swelling in the joints. These symptoms often resemble those of other types of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, but psoriatic arthritis may uniquely involve certain joints or patterns. Morning stiffness that lasts for more than an hour is common, and the discomfort usually improves with activity but may worsen after periods of inactivity. Signs and symptoms psoriatic arthritis
Swelling in the fingers and toes, often described as “sausage fingers” or “sausage toes,” is another distinctive feature. This swelling results from inflammation in the small joints and surrounding tissues, giving the digits a swollen, puffy appearance. The swelling can be painful and may be accompanied by a feeling of warmth or tenderness to touch. Signs and symptoms psoriatic arthritis
Enthesitis, or inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bones, is also characteristic of psoriatic arthritis. Common sites include the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle, the plantar fascia at the bottom of the foot, or the insertion points of the elbow or knee. Enthesitis can cause localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, often leading to difficulty moving affected joints.
Skin symptoms related to psoriasis frequently accompany psoriatic arthritis. Flaky, scaly patches of skin, often on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back, can appear before, during, or after joint symptoms develop. Some individuals notice that their skin lesions flare up concurrently with joint discomfort, while others may have minimal skin involvement.
Another symptom that may arise is dactylitis, which is the inflammation of an entire finger or toe, making it appear visibly swollen and inflamed. This symptom is sometimes called “pencil-in-cup” deformity when seen on X-ray, indicating joint damage over time. Signs and symptoms psoriatic arthritis
Signs and symptoms psoriatic arthritis In some cases, psoriatic arthritis can cause nail changes such as pitting, ridging, or separation of the nail from the nail bed. These nail abnormalities can be an early sign and are often associated with more severe joint disease.
Additional symptoms include fatigue, generalized malaise, and sometimes eye inflammation (iritis or conjunctivitis). These systemic features reflect the inflammatory nature of the disease and can vary in intensity among individuals.
Signs and symptoms psoriatic arthritis Because psoriatic arthritis has such a varied presentation, early recognition and treatment are vital to prevent irreversible joint damage and improve functional capacity. If individuals with psoriasis experience joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, consulting a healthcare professional promptly is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.
