brand-logo

Psoriatic arthritis

Low urgency
--

Chronic inflammation of the joints affecting up to 30% of patients with psoriasis.

It usually affects both large and small joints and is asymmetrical. The distal interphalangeal joints of the hands and feet are very often affected.

The diagnosis is clinical and should be suspected in patients with psoriasis who have symptoms of arthritis.

Anti-rheumatic drugs and biological agents are used for treatment.

Bibliographic references
  1. Bruce IN, Ho PYP. Clinical features of psoriatic arthritis. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 128.
  2. Veale DJ, Orr C. Management of psoriatic arthritis. In: Hochberg MC, Gravallese EM, Silman AJ, Smolen JS, Weinblatt ME, Weisman MH, eds. Rheumatology. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 131.
  3. Smolen JS, Schöls M, Braun J, et al. Treating axial spondyloarthritis and peripheral spondyloarthritis, especially psoriatic arthritis, to target: 2017 update of recommendations by an international task force. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77(1):3-17. PMID: 28684559
  4. FitzGerald O, Elmamoun M. Psoriatic arthritis. In: Firestein GS, Budd RC, Gabriel SE, McInnes IB, O'Dell JR, eds. Kelley and Firestein's Textbook of Rheumatology. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2017:chap 77.
  5. Sokka T, Kautiaanenm H, Hannonen P, Pincus T. Changes in Health Assessment Questionnaire disability scores over five years in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared with the general population. Arthritis Rheum. 2006;54:3113–8.
  6. Boonen A, Sjef M, Linden S van der. The burden of ankylosing spondylitis. J Rheumatol Suppl. 2006;78:4–11.
  7. Salaffi F, De Angelis R, Grassi W, on behalf of the MArche Pain Prevalence Investigation Group (MAPPING) Study Prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions in an Italian population sample: results of a regional community-based study. I. The MAPPING study. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2005;23:819–28.
  8. Sokka T, Krishnan E, Hakkinen A, Hannonen P. Functional disability in rheumatoid arthritis patients compared with a community population in Finland. Arthritis Rheum. 2003;48:59–63.
  9. Ariza-Ariza R, Hernandez-Cruz B, Navarro-Sarabia F. Physical function and health-related quality of life of Spanish patients with ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis Rheum. 2003;49:483–487.
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Finger joint pain

    Toe joint pain

    Swollen, hot, red joint

    Swollen fingers

    Skin plaque of more than or equal to 1 cm / 0.4 inch in diameter

Symptoms to watch out for

Pain that does not subside with analgesics.
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Inability to perform movements with the joint

Self-care

If you have pain, use over-the-counter pain relievers.
Apply heat to the affected area.
Get regular physical activity at least 3 times a week that is appropriate for your age and physical condition.
Eat a balanced diet: increase consumption of fruits, vegetables, and white meats, and reduce consumption of fatty and fried foods.
Mediktor logo