Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term immune-mediated inflammatory condition affecting the joints and the sites where tendons and ligaments meet bone. It occurs mainly in adults, in men and women equally, and most affected people already have the skin condition psoriasis. Obesity and severe psoriasis raise the risk, and genes, infection, joint injury or stress may act as triggers. Typical features are joint pain, swelling and stiffness, swollen fingers or toes, nail pitting, fatigue and tender heels; uveitis is a complication that needs prompt treatment to protect vision. Assessment relies on examination, blood tests, joint fluid analysis and imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound or MRI. It cannot be cured, so treatment aims at long-term control with anti-inflammatory painkillers, steroid injections, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, biological therapies and physiotherapy.

Seek urgent care for an injury with deformity, inability to bear weight, or numbness. See a doctor for pain that lasts more than a few weeks, that wakes you at night, or that comes with fever, weight loss or morning stiffness. Call the local emergency number for any symptom that is sudden and severe. This page is a reference for healthcare professionals and does not replace an assessment.