Ways to Identify Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is chronic disease formed by the inflammation of the skin and the joints. It usually develops in people between thirty to fifty years old; however, this condition can begin in childhood. Its symptoms can happen at any time. It can appear mild and non-progressive, but to some, it has persistent inflammation and requires appropriate treatment to prevent joint damage and disability.

There is an increased risk developing this condition when someone has parents or siblings who have the disease. Thus, it is essential to identify the signs and symptoms to get appropriate treatment from a professional medical practitioner.

Its Multiple Symptoms

One the general symptoms can be found in the tips of the fingers or toes. These symptoms are:

繚 Pain and swelling in the joints (such as wrists, ankles, knees and joints at the end of fingers and toes.

繚 Sausage-like fingers and toes caused by swelling

繚 Lower back pain

繚 Pain in the buttocks

繚 Scaly spots in the scalp, knees, elbows and lower end of the backbone

繚 Pitting of the fingernails or toenails

繚 Stiffness of joints every morning

繚 Tendinitis

繚 Conjunctivitis

Other symptoms can be found in the spine. This causes pain and stiffness in the low back, buttocks, upper back and neck.

Identifying the Culprits

Physical examination performed by a qualified doctor is generally the first step in order to identify psoriatic arthritis. Blood tests, x-rays and joint fluid tests are needed to determine whether a patient is suffering from this. Being educated with the symptoms can also help the doctor to easily identify the cause of the condition and find appropriate treatment to lessen the occurrence of its symptoms.

Five Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

There are five known types of psoriatic arthritis. These are:

繚 Asymmetrical - affects not more than three joints.

繚 Symmetrical - occurs on both sides of the body at the same time.

繚 Spondylitis - manifests in the spine and neck of a person.

繚 Distal interphalangeal - affects the nails and the joints at the tip of fingers and toes.

繚 Arthritis mutilans - damages the joints and progresses from months to years.

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are also similar to other forms of arthritis making it extremely hard to classify. It can be in different forms and if left untreated or undiagnosed for proper treatment can become destructive to the joints and other affected areas. Seeking medical attention is advisable. Once you observe unusual appearance of your nails or skin, or pain in your joints, talk to your doctor to identify the root of the problem.