Psoriatic Arthritis in Fort Collins, CO
What is Psoriatic Arthritis and What Causes It?
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis associated with psoriasis. It is an autoimmune condition that causes the body to attack healthy tissue. Joint inflammation occurs along with the overproduction of skin cells associated with psoriasis. A skin infection or trauma can trigger a psoriatic arthritis outbreak.
Risk Factors for Developing Psoriatic Arthritis
You are at increased risk of developing psoriatic arthritis if you:
- Have psoriasis
- Have a family history of psoriatic arthritis
- Are between the ages of 30 and 50
Signs and Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can be similar to those of rheumatoid arthritis. The most common signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
- Severe swelling of fingers and toes
- Pain in the feet, especially on the soles of the feet or the Achilles tendon
- Pain in the lower back and sacrum
- Pitting and crumbling of fingernails and toenails
- Inflammation of the eyes, redness, and blurred vision
Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis has no cure, so treatment is focused on reducing inflammation and other symptoms. Your rheumatologist may recommend a combination of treatments, including:
- Medications such as NSAIDS, methotrexate, adalimumab, apremilast, and others to reduce inflammation and slow disease progression
- Physical and occupational therapy to improve the ability to stay active while controlling pain
- Steroid injections on affected joints to reduce inflammation and pain
In severe cases, joint replacement surgery may be indicated for joints that have become severely damaged. The damaged joints are replaced with artificial joints made of plastic or metal.