Key Points About Psoriatic Arthritis In Children
-
Psoriatic arthritis is a rare form of arthritis or joint inflammation that affects both skin and joints. It can occur in people who have the skin disease psoriasis.
-
It is most common in adults ages 30 to 50. But it can start in childhood.
-
This condition causes inflamed, swollen, and painful joints. It also causes eye pain and fatigue.
-
Treatment may include medicines, heat and cold, splints, exercise, physical therapy, and surgery.
-
Early treatment can help the disease go into remission. Delayed treatment may lead to long-term disability.
How Are Autoimmune Diseases Treated
There are no cures for autoimmune diseases, but symptoms can be managed. Everyones immune system, genetics and environment are different. That means that your treatment must be unique.
Some examples of medications used to treat autoimmune diseases include:
Recommended Reading: Best Treatment For Lower Back Arthritis
What Are Common Symptoms Of Autoimmune Disease
Between taking care of yourself and family members and trying to manage a social life and career, its common for women to feel tired and achy. But are these symptoms of a stressful life, or could they be tied to an underlying condition like autoimmune disease?
Ana-Maria Orbai, M.D., M.H.S., is a rheumatologist at the Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center. Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions . Orbai talks about how to recognize common autoimmune disease symptoms and when you should see a doctor.
Read Also: Is Eating Tomatoes Bad For Arthritis
Recommended Reading: What To Do For Spinal Arthritis
From Sausage Fingers To Scaly Patches On Elbows And Knees Here Are The Warning Signs And Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis
As the name suggests psoriatic arthritis develops in people suffering from psoriasis, the skin disease which is painful and itchy and causes scaly patches on different parts of the body. Many symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis and they may appear either before or after the onset of psoriasis.
Dr Shekhar Srivastav HOD, Orthopedics Department, Sant Parmanand & Parmanand Special Surgery Hospital, Delhi says, “Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when your bodys immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It most often takes a toll on your skin and joints, causing swelling, stiffness, and pain. Over time, if not treated, the inflammation can damage joints and tissues. It affects men and women equally.”
Dr Srivastav also talks about early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis, risk factors, treatment and lifestyle changes for patients.
Warning signs and symptoms
Sausage fingers: People with psoriatic arthritis often have painful swelling in the fingers and toes.
Changes in nails: You may find nail pitting or holes developing in your nails. Deformity, discolouration, thickening and separation of the nail bed are other nail changes.
Scaly patches on elbows and knees: Psoriatic arthritis could be the cause of itchy, painful, red patches or build-up of dead skin cells on the body. This appears generally on the knees, elbows and scalp.
Causes of psoriatic arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis risk factors
What Can You Do At Home
You can do things at home to help protect your joints and ease pain. Try these tips:
- Rest your joints when they are sore or overworked. Ask your doctor or therapist about using braces, splints, or shoe supports to help protect your joints.
- Try to limit or avoid activities that may cause joint pain or swelling. Writing down these triggers may help you keep track of them.
- Try ice or a cold pack on the joint area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. Or try using heat to ease pain.
- Try to reach and stay at a healthy weight. Regular exercise and a healthy diet will help you do this. Extra weight can strain the joints. Losing even a few kilograms may help.
Stay active
Keeping an active lifestyle can also help you manage arthritis. Talk to your doctor about exercises that may be safe and helpful for you. These may include:
- Swimming or doing other water exercise.
- Riding a stationary bike.
Read Also: What Is Arthritis Of The Spine Called
How Is Psa An Autoimmune Disease
PsA is an autoimmune disease, meaning it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, in the case of PsA, the joints, connective tissue, and skin. The dysregulated immune response causes chronic inflammation that triggers joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. The inflammation can affect the entire body and may lead to permanent joint and tissue damage if it is not treated early and aggressively.
Autoimmune diseases often have periods when symptoms get significantly worse, or flare-ups, and periods of remission, when symptoms significantly lessen or seem to disappear. Even though you may not be experiencing a flare-up, your body can still be impacted by the chronic inflammation and you may experience other symptoms like fatigue as a result.
Work And Psoriatic Arthritis
Having psoriatic arthritis may make some aspects of working life more challenging. But, if youre on the right treatment, its certainly possible to continue working.
Help and support is available, and you have rights and options.
The Government scheme Access to Work is a grant that can pay for equipment to help you with activities such as answering the phone, going to meetings, and getting to and from work.
The 2010 Equality Act, and the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland makes it unlawful for employers to treat anyone with a disability less favourably than anyone else.
Psoriatic arthritis can be classed as a disability if it:
- makes daily tasks difficult
- lasts for more than 12 months.
Your employer may need to make adjustments to your working environment, so you can do your job comfortably and safely.
You might be able to change some aspects of your job or working arrangements, or train for a different role.
In order to get the support youre entitled to, youll need to tell your employer about your condition. Your manager or HR department might be a good place to start.
Other available support might include:
- your workplace occupational health department, if there is one
- an occupational therapist. You could be referred to one by your GP or you could see one privately
- disability employment advisors, or other staff, at your local JobCentre Plus
- a Citizens Advice bureau particularly if you feel youre not getting the support youre entitled to.
Also Check: What Causes Sudden Arthritis Flare Ups
What Are The Dangers Of Psoriatic Arthritis
PsA involves inflammation in the joints, leading to swelling, pain, and stiffness. It can also cause fatigue, nail changes, and other symptoms, and people with the condition have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and depression. Many people with PsA also have skin symptoms characteristic of psoriasis.
Is Psoriasis The Same As Eczema
Psoriasis and eczema are two different skin conditions. Both conditions cause similar symptoms like discolored skin, a rash and itching. Psoriasis plaques cause areas of thick skin covered in scales. Eczema causes a rash of dry and bumpy skin. Eczema also typically causes more intense itching than psoriasis.
You May Like: Can Rheumatoid Arthritis Be Fatal
How Will Psoriatic Arthritis Affect Me
The effects of psoriatic arthritis can vary a great deal between different people. This makes it difficult to offer advice on what you should expect.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause long-term damage to joints, bones and other tissue in the body, especially if it isnt treated.
Starting the right treatment as soon as possible will give you the best chance of keeping your arthritis under control and minimise damage to your body allowing you to lead a full and active life with psoriatic arthritis.
You dont need to face arthritis alone. If you need support or advice, call our Helpline today on . Our advisors can give you expert information and advice about arthritis and can offer support whenever you need it most.
Blood Tests Can Be Confusing
PsA patients often test positive for blood markers of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein or erythrocyte sedimentation rate . But psoriatic arthritis is considered a seronegative arthritis, which means that it doesnt have telltale antibodies the way rheumatoid arthritis does with rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP. This can cause confusion between PsA and seronegative rheumatoid arthritis, in which RA patients dont have these antibodies either. Seronegative RA occurs in 20 to 30 percent of RA cases. Read more here about seronegative RA vs. seropositive RA.
Also Check: What Does Arthritis In The Neck Look Like
The Psoriatic Arthritis And Heart Health Connection
According to a meta-analysis in the journal Arthritis Care and Research, people with psoriatic arthritis were 43 percent more likely to have or develop heart disease compared with the general population. They also had a 31 percent higher risk of heart failure.
The reason patients are at risk is not entirely known, says Dr. Ritchlin. People with psoriatic arthritis more commonly develop metabolic syndrome a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and other health problems. But there are patients with psoriatic arthritis who do not have metabolic syndrome and are still at an increased risk for heart events, he says.
Editor’s Picks
What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can cause several different symptoms around the body. People will often have two or more of these symptoms, and they can range from mild to severe.
Some of the main symptoms include:
- swelling in one or more joints
- joint stiffness which feels worse when you get up after a rest and lasts longer than 30 minutes.
These symptoms are caused by inflammation inside a joint. This is known as inflammatory arthritis.
Any joint can be affected in this way. See below for the most commonly affected joints.
Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain and swelling along the bones that form the joints. This is caused by inflammation in the connective tissue, known as entheses, which attach tendons and ligaments to the bones. When they become inflamed its known as enthesitis.
Enthesitis pain can spread over a wider area rather than just inside a joint. Affected areas can feel tender if you touch them or if theres just a small amount of pressure on them. It commonly occurs in the feet. This can happen at the back of the heel or on the bottom of the foot near the heel. In some cases, this pain can make standing or walking difficult.
The knees, hips, elbows and chest can also be affected by enthesitis.
People with psoriatic arthritis can have swollen fingers or toes. This is known as dactylitis, or sausage digit, because it causes the whole finger or toe to swell up. It most commonly affects one or two fingers or toes at a time.
Read Also: Are There Blood Tests For Psoriatic Arthritis
Flare Warning: Sacroiliac Joint Pain
PsA falls under the umbrella of spondyloarthritis, a term used to describe a group of rheumatic disorders , says Dr. Homsi. As such, there is often stiffness, swelling, and pain in your sacroiliac joints. The sacroiliac joints, which connect the pelvis to the lower spine, consist of the sacrum and the ilium . If you notice an increase in pain in this area, which correlates often to pain deep in the buttocks, without any change in your physical activity, talk with your doc about potential meds to help fight a flare.
Scalp Psoriasis And Psoriatic Arthritis
Scalp psoriasis is a common skin disorder that leads to red patches on the scalp.
Moreover, it may affect your entire scalp and also spread over the forehead.
No one knows the exact cause of the disorder but you cant catch it from anyone else.
Moving on, there is also a term called psoriatic arthritis nodules that is the complication of psoriatic arthritis.
Moreover, the nodules develop lumps under the skin but not more people are affected by the disorder.
Now, it may be hard for you to make someone understand from which pain you are suffering.
Additionally, people take these things lightly so here are some of the tips to tell your family about your chronic disorder.
Don’t Miss: How Many People Have Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis Versus Osteoarthritis
Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting, can be a symptom of either psoriatic arthritis or osteoarthritis the most common type of arthritis.
Unlike autoimmune forms of arthritis, osteoarthritis is the result of wear-and-tear damage to cartilage the slippery covering that allows bones to easily slide over each other when joints bend, says the Arthritis Foundation.
Damage to the cartilage can result in bone grinding directly on bone, which causes pain and restricts movement.
Osteoarthritis primarily affects the hands, knees, hips, and spine, and can create a grating sensation, along with popping or crackling, when you use the joint, says the Mayo Clinic. You may also notice hard lumps of bone near the joint or the joint may look distorted.
While psoriatic arthritis symptoms tend to flare and subside, osteoarthritis-related pain and swelling usually become progressively worse over time.
How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Treated
Treatment can help relieve symptoms and prevent damage to your joints. Treatment includes medicines and physical and occupational therapy.
Take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as ibuprofen or naproxen , for mild pain. If psoriasis symptoms get worse after you take these medicines, call your doctor right away. For severe arthritis, stronger drugs may be used to help reduce pain and prevent joint damage. These include disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs , biologics, and a drug known as a PDE4 inhibitor. Steroid injections or pills may also be given to relieve joint pain.
A physical therapist may help you move and stay active, build your strength, learn to manage daily tasks, and reduce pain.
Some people with severe arthritis may need surgery to replace or repair damaged joints.
Don’t Miss: How Do You Determine If You Have Arthritis
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis Video
Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, swelling and stiffness inand around your joints.
It usually affects 3 in 10 people who already have the skin condition psoriasis .
Psoriasis causes patches of red, flaky skin which is covered with silvery-like patches.
Some people may develop psoriatic arthritis before the psoriasis is even present. In rare cases people have psoriatic arthritis and never have any noticeable patches of psoriasis.
Psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis are both autoimmune conditions, caused by a fault in the immune system.
Our immune system protects us from illness and infection. But in autoimmune conditions, the immune system becomes confused and attacks healthy parts of the body, often causing inflammation.
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of spondylarthritis. This is a group of conditions with some similar symptoms.
People with psoriasis are as likely as anyone else to get othertypes of arthritis, such asosteoarthritisorrheumatoid arthritis. Theseconditionsare not linkedto psoriasis.
Donât Miss: Does Rheumatoid Arthritis Qualify For Disability
Getting The Right Diagnosis
If you think you have psoriasis, see your doctor right away. It shouldnât take long to get an answer once youâre there. Usually, all it takes to diagnose psoriasis is a discussion about your medical history and an exam of your skin, scalp, and nails. Some doctors may also take a small sample of skin to examine under a microscope. This test is called a biopsy.
While youâre at the doctor, be sure to speak up if you have any other symptoms besides skin and/or nail problems — especially if you have joint issues, including:
- Morning stiffness that improves during the day
- Swelling just above your heel
- Swollen or tender joints
Because psoriasis often goes along with PsA, youâll want to know as soon as possible if you have both. Early diagnosis and treatment of PsA can help prevent permanent damage to your joints.
Read Also: Is Mushroom Good For Rheumatoid Arthritis
How To Better Manage Psoriatic Arthritis Right Now
One unique symptom of psoriatic arthritis that doctors look for is the presence of psoriasis, a condition that causes thick, discolored, scaly skin patches known as plaques, as well as pitted nails or nails that separate from the nail bed, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Like psoriatic arthritis, psoriasis stems from a faulty immune response, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues.
About a third of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, according to the Arthritis Foundation. About 10 percent of people develop arthritis first, then psoriasis later, says Eric Ruderman, MD, a rheumatologist at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Getty Images
Is Psoriatic Arthritis An Autoimmune Disease
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the joints, skin, and other organs. It usually develops as a complication of psoriasis and causes many symptoms, including inflammation and tenderness of the joints and a reduced range of motion.
This article looks at what psoriatic arthritis is, its connection to psoriasis, and what causes the immune system to attack the body. It also provides information on how doctors diagnose and treat the condition.
The immune system usually protects the body from infection and toxins. Occasionally, it mistakenly identifies healthy cells and tissue in the body as harmful and attacks them. This is known as an autoimmune disease.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly identifies healthy joints as dangerous and attacks them, too.
It produces antibodies that attack and inflame the joints, leading to pain and swelling. It also affects other organs, such as the skin, nails, eyes, and gastrointestinal tract.
Also Check: What Is Good For Arthritis In The Wrist
Psoriatic Arthritis Vs Rheumatoid Arthritis
The first step in discovering if you could have a chronic inflammatory condition such as psoriatic arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis is to talk to your doctor.
Because you are an important part of your healthcare team, we’ve created this quick guide to help you understand the difference between PsA and RA, and spark more productive conversations between you and your rheumatologist.