What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Most people aren't aware of the fact that there are over one hundred different kinds of arthritis, and each one comes with its own unique set of symptoms. One of the lesser known forms or arthritis is called psoriatic arthritis. This type of arthritis is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition that is evidenced by red, raised or patchy areas of skin as well as the classic joint pain symptoms that are common to just about all forms of arthritis.

While this type of arthritis usually doesn't develop before the 30s, it has been known to afflict all age groups, up until the age of 50 or so. The condition is not gender specific, although it may be considered hereditary, as parents or siblings with the disease show a high rate of development in family members.

Knowing and understanding the signs of psoriatic arthritis are an important first step toward finding adequate treatment measures, for both the psoriasis and the arthritis. This may be easier said than done however, as many people experience different symptoms, at different rates, and flare-up occurrences typically delay treatment.

Many people go for years without being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis because the symptoms can come and go. Only recently has the disease been recognized as both progressive and with the ability to worsen from mild to severe forms. In some, chronic pain and inflammation of joints offers early detection of the disease, but its similarity with several other types of arthritis often make diagnosis difficult.

Psoriatic arthritis is considered an arthritis that will affect the spine, and may also mirror the signs and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Most often, pain and swelling is noticed in the wrists, knees and ankles, as well as fingers and toes.

In some, swelling at the tips of digits creates an almost sausage-like appearance. Many people suffering from this type of arthritis feel pain in their lower back, as well as buttocks, accompanied with grey, scaly areas on the scalp, elbows and knees.

Five types of psoriatic arthritis exist, which may often overlap in one individual. Determining what you are suffering from takes the expertise of a physician, and more often than not, patients are referred to a rheumatologist. Only an expert will be able to tell you whether you suffer from one type or another.

Some forms of this disease occur on one side of the body only, while others develop on both sides. Other forms of this type of arthritis can affect the spine, while another form, Arthritis Mulitans Type Psoriatic Arthritis, while rare, can be severe as well as disabling.

If you feel that you might be suffering from any form of arthritis, keep a list of your symptoms, when they occur, as well as how long you have been feeling pain or have noticed warmth or swelling in your joints. While there is no cure for arthritis, with a proper treatment plan and perhaps even medications, most people diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis lead otherwise normal, healthy lifestyles.