Psoriatic arthritis

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis can cause painful inflammation in any of your joints and it’s often associated with a scaly skin condition called psoriasis.

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What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

You may notice some of the following symptoms:

• red, scaly skin rash (psoriasis)
• stiff, painful joints
• sausage-like swelling of fingers or toes
• thickening, discoloration and pitting of your nails
• pain and swelling at the back of your heel
• eye inflammation (less frequent)

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What causes psoriatic arthritis?

The arthritis and the skin condition are both caused by inflammation. The processes of inflammation are very similar in your skin and your joints. We don’t yet know exactly what triggers the inflammation, although a particular combination of genes makes some people more likely to develop psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

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How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

Your doctor will examine you and ask if you have a family history of psoriasis. You may also have blood tests to rule out other conditions, and x-rays can sometimes help to confirm the diagnosis.

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What treatments are there for psoriatic arthritis?

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• steroid injections
• ointments, tablets or light therapy for skin symptoms
• exercise and physiotherapy to keep your joints mobile
• surgery to repair damaged tendons or replace badly damaged joints – this is rarely needed.

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Self-help and daily living

Keeping to a healthy weight reduces the strain on your joints. Exercising will help, but you’ll need to find the right balance between rest and activity so you don't overdo it.

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