Psoriatic arthritis: what it is, symptoms, types and treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can occur in people who have psoriasis, a disease that causes red, scaly patches on the skin.

The main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include swelling of the joints, deformation of the joints and difficulty in moving them, as well as blemishes on the skin.

Psoriatic arthritis can appear at any age, however it is more common in adults between 30 and 50 years old, occurring in around 30% of people diagnosed with psoriasis. See what the first signs of psoriasis are.

Main symptoms

The most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:

• Swelling and deformity in the joints;
• Pain and difficulty moving joints;
• Presence of red spots on the skin, nails or scalp that itch and flake;
• Changes in the eye, heart, lungs or kidneys.

Often, the first signs of this type of arthritis are pain and difficulty moving the joints, especially the hands, without the need for swelling or the presence of spots on the skin.

People who suffer from psoriasis and present symptoms related to joint problems should consult the doctor who is treating their psoriasis, to confirm the diagnosis and begin the most appropriate treatment.

Online symptom test

Psoriatic arthritis is considered an inflammatory arthritis, as are rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. To find out the chance of having inflammatory arthritis, please select the symptoms you present:

This test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace consultation with a rheumatologist, orthopedist or general practitioner.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is normally made by a rheumatologist, but it can also be suspected by a dermatologist when the person already has a history of psoriasis.

The doctor confirms the diagnosis by evaluating the clinical history and X-ray examination. In addition, a rheumatoid factor test may also be ordered, which helps the doctor to ensure that it is not rheumatoid arthritis, another type of arthritis which causes similar symptoms.

Types of psoriatic arthritis

There are 5 main types of psoriatic arthritis:

• Symmetrical: This type affects the joints on both sides of the body.
• Asymmetric: In this type, symptoms are moderate, generally affecting a maximum of 4 joints on any side of the body.
• Mutilating Arthritis: This is the most aggressive type and tends to destroy the joints of the hands and feet, especially affecting the fingers;
• Spondylitis: This type is characterized by stiffness of the neck and spine.
• Predominant distal interphalangeal: This type is characterized by stiffness in the joints of the fingers and toes. Nail deformities may develop.

The rheumatologist will be able to identify the type of arthritis the person has and recommend the best treatment for each case.

How the treatment is carried out

Psoriasis still has no cure and, therefore, treatment is aimed at reducing and controlling symptoms, which is important to prevent the disease from worsening.

Therefore, one of the first treatment guidelines is to make lifestyle changes that help prevent risk factors such as obesity, hypertension or diabetes, including giving up smoking and other drugs, as well as regular practice of light physical exercise and nutrition. balanced.

Furthermore, other treatment options include:

1. Use of anti-inflammatories

The main medications used for the disease are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen, which allow an improvement in the signs and symptoms of the disease in the short term, relieving discomfort.

In more serious cases, or when treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs is unsuccessful, other types of medication can be used, mainly corticosteroids and disease modifiers, such as sulfasalazine, methotrexate or cyclosporine.

2. Surgery

Surgery for psoriatic arthritis is indicated when the disease is very aggressive and causes joint damage. The aim of surgery is to improve or replace the injured joint, improving quality of life.

3. Physiotherapy sessions

Physiotherapy is another very important part of the treatment, as there are exercises that can be done to help improve joint movements, relieve tendonitis symptoms and improve quality of life in general.

Therefore, ideally, the treatment should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team, consisting of a medical team, a rheumatologist, orthopedist and general practitioner, as well as a physiotherapist, psychologist and any other health professional who can help improve quality of life.