Psoriatic Arthritis Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

by Gracie Allen Independent Health Consultant Psoriatic arthritis is a type of chronic arthritis that mostly affects people that has psoriasis. This type or arthritis happens due to the hyperstimulation of the immune system thereby causing massive inflammation that typically manifests in the large joints or distal joints in the body. It is commonly misdiagnosed as other forms of arthritis due to its general signs and symptoms. Let us take a deeper look at Psoriatic arthritis so that we can better understand its physiological course.

Definition of Psoriatic Arthritis

It is a type of inflammatory condition that usually affects patients with a skin condition called Psoriasis.
Although the general symptom is inflammation of the joints, it has other defining characteristics depending on its specific type.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis- This particular type affects bilateral joints of the body at the same time. For example, if your elbow gets inflamed then the right elbow will also be affected. If not treated promptly, the effects can be catastrophic and can even lead to the destruction of the joints.  Symptoms vary from mild to severe. It also resembles the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. 

Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis- This type, on the other hand, does not affect bilateral joints. It affects fewer joints because inflammation does not involve both sides of the body.  Inflammation can be small or large depending on the severity of arthritis.

Distal Interphalangeal predominant (DIP) Psoriatic Arthritis- This type usually confused with osteoarthritis. It affects smaller joints in the toes and fingers, including the nails. Symptoms include stiffness and swelling of the distal ends of the fingers and toes. Pitting can also be visible on either the fingernails or toenails, white spots may also be visible on the nail beds.

Spondylitis- This type of Psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation and stiffness on the vertebrae. It results to joint pain and swelling on the neck area, spine, lower back, and even on the pelvis.

Arthritis Mutilans- It is rare but considered the most severe type of psoriatic arthritis since it can be destructive on the joints.  It affects the small joints on your finger and toes that can result to deformity.

Cause of Psoriatic Arthritis

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is actually not clear. However, healthcare practitioners seem to consider genetic factor as the primary reason for developing psoriatic arthritis. About 40% of people who have a genetic predisposition to skin problems or joint problems will develop psoriatic arthritis. On the other hand, people who have psoriasis have an increased chance of developing this type of arthritis.

We don't know exactly why some people get the condition and others don't, but it seems to run in families. As much as 40% of people with psoriatic arthritis have a family member with skin or joint problems.

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

The symptoms may vary from one person to another and also depending on the specific type of psoriatic arthritis the patient has. The most common symptoms noted in patients are the following:

• Swollen finger or toe that almost resembles the shape of sausages.
• Pitting of the nails
• White spots on the nail bed
• Sometimes separation of the nail from the nail bed is also noted
• The stiffness of the joints upon waking up or remaining on a fixed position for long periods of time. Stiffness during mobilization
• Lower back pain
• Swelling of the joints. Early stages may manifest in the hands, feet, or knee
• Swelling of the tendons
• Heel pain which can make ambulation difficult
• Destruction of the joints in the hands or feet thus resulting to deformity
• Fatigue
• Inflammation of other parts of the body (e.g. eyes)

Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis

The goal of treatments for psoriatic arthritis is to reduce the inflammatory process. Some of the most common treatments are the following:

• Pharmacologic treatment- This includes taking medications that will control inflammation and reduce swelling.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used drugs to counteract the inflammation involved in psoriatic arthritis.
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are also used to treat the underlying cause of inflammation rather than simply reducing the inflammation. DMARDs can also reduce stiffness and inflammation in the long run.
• Biologic Therapy- This is the next step if DMARDs does not work. Biologics are newer forms of medications that block a certain protein that causes inflammation.
• Enzyme inhibitor- Drugs in this classification inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory enzymes.

Exercise- Not only does it improve your cardiovascular status but it also helps in controlling inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis. This joint pain treatment effectively reduces stiffness and swelling of the joints. Regular exercise also strengthens the muscles surrounding the joints. It also improves joint flexibility and mobility.

Physical Therapy- Consulting a professional for physical therapy is an essential part of the treatment process in people suffering from psoriatic arthritis. Physical therapy is particularly important in people having joint deformities causing limitation in flexibility and mobility.

Warm Compress- Applying warm compress improves blood circulation and helps reduce inflammation of the joints. It also enhances synovial fluid distribution to make each joint move smoother.

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis but with early diagnosis and treatment, the debilitating effects of psoriatic arthritis can be prevented.

References:

https://www.consumerhealthdigest.com/joint-pain/ankylosing-spondylitis.html

http://sparkonit.com/2015/12/10/5-right-exercises-psoriatic-arthritis/

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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