Psoriatic Arthritis is Hard to Diagnose

Have you ever heard of psoriatic arthritis? Well, most people have never heard of this chronic disease. It is characterized by the inflammation of the skin (psoriasis) and joints (arthritis). Now, you are thinking that these are two separate diseases—well, they are, but when they combine, the result if psoriatic arthritis.

Most people have heard of both psoriasis and arthritis, but never heard the terms used in the same sentence. Psoriatic arthritis occurs in people who have the inherited skin condition called psoriasis. Psoriasis causes scaly, red, rough patches on the neck, elbows and knees.

Some people who have psoriasis also develop an associated inflammation of their joints. Patients who have inflammatory arthritis and psoriasis are diagnosed as having psoriatic arthritis. Often settling in the joints of the fingers and toes, psoriatic arthritis can cause the fingers and toes to swell up. In severe cases, the toes and fingers can become inflamed, swollen and in some severe cases deformed.

Psoriatic arthritis usually occurs to people in their 40s and 50s and both sexes can suffer from this disease. The cause of psoriatic arthritis is currently unknown. A diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis means that you should get immediate medical attention for the condition. While there is no cure, you and your doctor can work together to reduce both your joint inflammation and control the rash from your psoriasis.

Usually psoriasis comes before the arthritis, sometimes even months or years before the first symptoms of arthritis appear. The psoriatic arthritis often involves the knees, ankles, and joints in the feet and frequently only a few joints are inflamed at a time. The inflamed joints become painful, swollen, hot, and red. Sometimes, joint inflammation in the fingers or toes can cause extensive swelling giving your fingers and toes the appearance of a "sausage." Joint stiffness is also common, and is usually worse early in the morning.

Psoriatic arthritis may involve many joints of the body in a symmetrical fashion, mimicking the pattern seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause inflammation of the spine, causing pain and stiffness in the low back, buttocks, neck and upper back. Psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation in other organs, such as the eyes, lungs, and aorta. Inflammation in the colored portion of the eye causes iritis, a painful condition that can be aggravated by bright light. You may also have inflammation in and around the lungs that causes chest pain, especially with deep breathing, as well as shortness of breath, and inflammation of the aorta that can cause leakage of the aortic valve valves, leading to heart failure and shortness of breath.

If you have pain, stiffness or swelling in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it is time to see your doctor. These symptoms can develop suddenly or slowly. Only a doctor can tell if it is psoriatic arthritis. Remember, if you are told that "you have arthritis", this is not a diagnosis. Ask for a specific diagnosis of the type of arthritis you have. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and each involves different treatments. Getting the right treatment for your arthritis requires getting the right diagnosis.

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Psoriatic Arthritis is Hard to Diagnose