What does psoriatic arthritis do to your joints
What does psoriatic arthritis do to your joints Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints, but its impact extends beyond mere inflammation. Unlike osteoarthritis, which results from wear and tear, psoriatic arthritis arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joint tissues, leading to a cascade of inflammatory responses. This disease often develops in individuals who have psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches, but it can also occur independently.
One of the hallmark effects of psoriatic arthritis on the joints is inflammation. This inflammation causes swelling, warmth, and tenderness, often making movement painful and difficult. The severity can range from mild discomfort to debilitating pain that significantly hampers daily activities. Swelling is typically most prominent around the fingers and toes, leading to a distinctive appearance known as dactylitis or “sausage digits.” This swelling results from synovitis, which is inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the joint, and can cause the joint to appear enlarged.
As the disease progresses, it can lead to joint destruction and deformity. The persistent inflammation stimulates the activity of osteoclasts, cells that break down bone tissue. Over time, this can cause erosion of the bone at the joint margins, leading to joint instability and deformities. Common deformities include a curled or twisted appearance of the fingers and toes, as well as changes in the spine or other joints affected by the disease. These deformities not only cause pain but also impair function, making simple tasks like gripping objects or walking challenging. What does psoriatic arthritis do to your joints
What does psoriatic arthritis do to your joints Psoriatic arthritis often affects multiple joints asymmetrically, meaning it doesn’t necessarily involve the same joints on both sides of the body. This pattern can make diagnosis tricky, as it may resemble other forms of inflammatory arthritis. Additionally, the disease can involve entheses, which are the sites where tendons or ligaments attach to the bone. Enthesitis leads to pain and swelling at these attachment points, commonly seen in areas like the Achilles tendon or the bottom of the foot.
What does psoriatic arthritis do to your joints Furthermore, psoriatic arthritis can influence the joint’s surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation of bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints) and causing additional pain and swelling. Chronic inflammation can also cause cartilage damage, reducing joint space and leading to stiffness, especially after periods of inactivity. This stiffness is often worse in the morning, a condition known as morning stiffness, which can last for hours.
What does psoriatic arthritis do to your joints In some cases, psoriatic arthritis may even cause systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, fever, and malaise, further impacting a person’s overall health. The cumulative damage caused by ongoing inflammation underscores the importance of early diagnosis and effective treatment. Management typically involves medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologics, all aimed at controlling inflammation, preventing joint damage, and improving quality of life.
Understanding what psoriatic arthritis does to the joints highlights the importance of timely medical intervention. While the disease can cause irreversible damage if left untreated, early and aggressive management can significantly reduce joint destruction and preserve function, helping individuals maintain their independence and well-being. What does psoriatic arthritis do to your joints
