Psoriasis and Joint Pain?

This could mean psoriatic arthritis (PsA)

If you have psoriasis and you've been experiencing pain, stiffness, or swelling in and around your joints, you should discuss it with your dermatologist. You may be experiencing symptoms of a related disease called psoriatic arthritis, or PsA. View picture of psoriatic arthritis.

How are PsA and psoriasis related?

• PsA affects up to 30% of psoriasis patients
• 80% of PsA patients develop the symptoms of psoriasis first
• On average, symptoms of PsA don’t appear until 10 years after symptoms of psoriasis

Early detection is key

Even if you're not experiencing joint pain yet, it's important to watch out for it. Psoriatic arthritis is a serious disease, so the earlier it's diagnosed and managed, the better. Early detection and appropriate management can help prevent or limit extensive damage to your joints that may occur in late stages of the disease.

A diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis may result in a change of treatment, so it's important to talk to your doctor. There are different types of treatments for PsA:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), including antimalarials, biologic drugs, and traditional systemic drugs
• Local steroid injections for certain joints

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Take a look at the symptom checklist below. If you've experienced any of these symptoms, check them off and take the list to your next appointment with your dermatologist.

Have you experienced any of the following symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Swollen fingers and toes

Back pain (lower back, upper back, and neck)

Tender, painful, throbbing, or swollen joints

Tender, painful, or swollen around tendons

Reduced range of motion

Morning stiffness

General fatigue

Changes to nails (pitting or separation from the nail bed)