What causes psoriatic arthritis?
The cause of psoriatic arthritis is currently unknown. A combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors is likely involved. In patients with psoriatic arthritis who have arthritis of the spine, a blood test gene marker called HLA-B27 is found in about 50%. Several other genes have also been found to be more common in patients with psoriatic arthritis. Certain changes in theimmune system may also be important in the development of psoriatic arthritis. For example, the decline in the number of immune cells called helper T cells in people with AIDS (HIV infection) may play a role in the development and progression of psoriasis in these patients. The importance of infectious agents and other environmental factors in the cause of psoriatic arthritis is being investigated by researchers.
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Psoriatic arthritis can develop slowly with mild symptoms, or it can develop quickly and be severe. Early recognition, diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis can help prevent or limit extensive joint damage that occurs in later stages of the disease. The disease can develop in a joint after an injury and may seem like a cartilage tear.
Here are common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis:
Generalized fatigue
Tenderness, pain and swelling over tendons
Swollen fingers and toes that look like sausages
Stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling and tenderness in one or more joints
A reduced range of motion
Morning stiffness and tiredness
Nail changes—for example, the nail separates from the nail bed and/or becomes pitted and mimics fungus infections
Redness and pain of the eye, such as conjunctivitis
Psoriatic arthritis usually affects the distal joints (those closest to the nail) in fingers or toes.
You may also experience symptoms in your lower back, wrists, knees or ankle.
In 85 percent of patients, psoriasis occurs before joint disease. If you have been diagnosed with psoriasis, it is important to tell your dermatologist if you have any aches and pains.
There is little connection between your psoriasis severity and psoriatic arthritis severity. Having a severe case of psoriasis does not necessarily mean a person will have a severe case of psoriatic arthritis. A person could have few skin lesions, but have many joints affected by the arthritis.
How to treat Psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, progressive disease that can lead to permanent joint damage if treatment is delayed. Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is associated with other comorbidities. The good news is that treating your disease can lower your risk of developing some comorbidities, like cardiovascular disease.
This makes the relationship you have with your doctor particularly important. To receive the highest standard of specialized care for your joints and connective tissues, people with psoriatic arthritis should consider seeing a rheumatologist. This is a doctor who specializes in arthritis. You can ask your current health care provider to refer you to a rheumatologist. A doctor referral can help you get into a rheumatologist more quickly. You also can search the Beijing Meidi Skin Disease Hospital to find a rheumatologist near you.
