Psoriatic
Arthritis
Are There Different Types of Psoriatic Arthritis?
There are five types of psoriatic arthritis. It is important to know which type of psoriatic arthritis you have and understand the characteristics so that it may be treated properly.
Symmetric psoriatic arthritis
Symmetric arthritis affects the same joints on opposite sides of the body. Symmetric psoriatic arthritis can be disabling, causing varying degrees of progressive, destructive disease and loss of function. Symmetric psoriatic arthritis resembles rheumatoid arthritis.
Asymmetric psoriatic arthritis
Asymmetric arthritis typically involves one to three joints in the body — large or small — such as the knee, hip or one or several fingers.
Distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP)
Distal interphalangeal predominant psoriatic arthritis involves primarily the small joints in the fingers and toes closest to the nail.
Spondylitis
Spondylitis affects the spinal column and may cause inflammation and stiffness in the neck, lower back, spinal vertebrae or sacroiliac region (pelvic area), making motion difficult. Spondylitis also can attack connective tissue, such as ligaments, or cause arthritic disease in the joints of the arms, hips, legs or feet.
Arthritis mutilans
Arthritis mutilans is a rare but destructive form of psoriatic arthritis that primarily affects the small joints in the fingers and toes closest to the nail. This leads to lost function of the involved joints. It also is frequently associated with lower back and neck pain.
Who Gets Psoriatic Arthritis?
About 10 percent to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis affects men and women equally. Psoriatic arthritis may develop at any age, but usually affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. While the cause is not known, genetic factors, along with the immune system likely play a role in determining who will develop the disorder.
What Are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?
Symptoms include:
Pain and swelling in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet and spine
Morning stiffness
Fatigue similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory arthritis)
Psoriatic arthritis can also cause inflammation in other areas of the body, including the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys.
What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?
Certain factors may trigger psoriasis, including the following:
Injury to the skin
Sunlight
Streptococcal infections
HIV
Drugs
Emotional stress
Smoking
Alcohol
Hormone changes
How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Treated?
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis consists of twice daily moist heat applications, exercises and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If there is little improvement or if there are permanent changes on an X-ray, then a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or a biologic drug will be added to help prevent long-term joint damage.