Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriasis is a common skin condition which affects over 2% of the population in the United States. Typically featured as patchy, raised, red areas of skin inflammation with scaling, psoriasis often affects the tips of the elbows and knees, the scalp, navel, and around the anus and genital areas. Over 10% of psoriasis patients also develop an associated inflammation of their joints which often is diagnosed as having psoriatic arthritis. About 1 in 10 people with psoriasis will also develop inflammation of joints. Psoriatic arthritis belongs to a group of arthritis conditions that may cause inflammation of the spine. The cause of psoriatic arthritis is currently unknown, but a combination of genetic and immune factors as well as environmental factors, are likely involved.
Psoriatic arthritis often occurs within both males and females over the age of fifty and affects both sexes equally. Psoriasis and the joint disease arthritis often appear separately as the arthritis may precede the psoriasis in the majority of patients. Some patients may have had arthritis for over twenty years prior to developing psoriasis. Patients may have psoriasis for over twenty years prior to the development of arthritis which eventually leads to the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis. Patients with psoriatic arthritis may also develop inflammation of tendons, cartilage, eyes, lining of the lungs, and occasionally the aorta. Psoriatic arthritic may also mimic the pattern seen with rheumatoid arthritis.
Psoriatic arthritis is a systemic rheumatic disease which may cause inflammation in body tissues away from the joints other than the skin, typically in the eyes, heart, lungs, and kidneys. Psoriatic arthritis shares similar features with several other arthritic conditions, including Crohn’s Disease and ulcerative colitis. All of these conditions, including psoriatic arthritis, can cause inflammation in the spine and other joints, plus in the skin, eyes, mouth, and other various organs.
The treatment of psoriatic arthritis typically involves a combination of anti-inflammatory medications and exercise. If progressive inflammation and joint destruction occur despite these treatment options, more potent medications such as methotrexate, corticosteroids, and anti-malarial medications are the next step in treatment. Exercise programs are also highly recommended and may be done at home or with a physical therapist. These exercise programs can be customized according to the disease and physical capabilities of each patient. Exercises for arthritis are performed for the sole purpose of strengthening and maintaining or improving joint range of motion. These exercises should always be done on a regular basis for the best results.
Future treatments for patients with psoriatic arthritis will continue to evolve as more effective and safe medications are developed. Vitamin D has recently been shown to help improve arthritis of psoriatic arthritis. Additional areas of research involve treatment with medications which may alter the immune system of patients with psoriatic arthritis. Other areas of research may involve treatment with medications that may alter the immune system of patients with psoriatic arthritis. As the immune system changes and genetics become better defined with this illness, the efficacy of available medical treatments will likely improve.
