Arthritis might seem like an ailment that you only develop once you’ve reached your senior years. However, there are many different types of arthritis – and each one can affect different people of various ages. Psoriatic arthritis is one variety of arthritis that commonly affects people between the ages of 30 and 50. Approximately one million Americans are living with psoriatic arthritis, and it’s a progressive disease that can lead to joint damage over time.
Typically, psoriatic arthritis will occur in those who have psoriasis, often appearing about 10 years after psoriasis first develops. If left untreated and unmanaged, psoriatic arthritis can cause increasing pain, joint damage, and other health complications. That’s why it’s so important to take action when you first see potential symptoms.
What are the early signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis? Look for the following.
Common Early Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis
One of the most important factors in developing psoriatic arthritis is psoriasis. Though psoriasis is a condition that primarily affects the skin and its cells, psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are closely connected to one another.
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 30 percent of those who are diagnosed with psoriasis will eventually see the condition become psoriatic arthritis. This makes psoriasis the very first warning sign for psoriatic arthritis. If you’ve already been diagnosed with psoriasis, you’re exhibiting one of the biggest first “symptoms” that may put you at risk for psoriatic arthritis.
But psoriatic arthritis doesn’t only appear in those with psoriasis. There are other warning signs and symptoms that are important to be aware of.
Joint Pain
All forms of arthritis cause joint pain. It’s one of the first and most obvious signs of arthritis in the body. Joints in certain areas of the body, or perhaps all over the body, can feel stiff, tender, and grow swollen. The pain could be constant, or it could come and go. If you experience psoriasis plaques and frequent joint pain, it’s likely that psoriatic arthritis is the culprit.
Changes to Your Nails
One of the most common signs of psoriatic arthritis is a surprising one: changes to your nails. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 80 percent of those with psoriatic arthritis develop nail psoriasis, which causes unique changes. Your nails may separate from the nail bed, grow discolored, experience pitting, develop ridges, or crumble.
Swelling in the Fingers and Toes
Approximately 50 percent of all psoriatic arthritis sufferers experience this symptom: swollen fingers and toes. Your fingers and toes will become painfully swollen, making these joints feel stiff, uncomfortable, and unable to move. You might have swelling in just one finger or toe, or you might experience swelling in every digit.
Lower Back Pain
Another symptom that affects about half of all psoriatic arthritis sufferers is lower back pain. Also called axial arthritis, this back pain is chronic. It’s usually felt right above the tailbone, into the buttocks, and across both hips.
Foot and Ankle Pain
Foot pain can be a sign of psoriatic arthritis. Painful conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis commonly appear in those diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. You can also have general arthritis pains in your feet, such as feelings of stiffness, warmth, swelling, and sharp pain. Ankle pain can also happen, and it may feel similar to your foot pain.
Fatigue
Fatigue is a symptom of many, many different health conditions and ailments. But it’s also connected to psoriatic arthritis – 50 percent of sufferers experience moderate fatigue, and nearly 30 percent have severe fatigue. If you feel exhausted even after a good night’s sleep, you might be experiencing fatigue.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you might be living with the early warning signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. It’s important that you schedule an appointment with your doctor to get an official diagnosis and determine what’s causing these changes in your health.
Treating and Managing Psoriatic Arthritis
Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Once you’re diagnosed with the condition, you will live with it for the rest of your life.
However, this doesn’t mean you have to live a life of painful and frustrating symptoms. There are ways to treat and manage psoriatic arthritis, which can both make you comfortable and prevent further health complications.
When doctors treat psoriatic arthritis, the goal is typically to alleviate or manage the symptoms of the condition. Common treatment options include:
- NSAIDs, which are over-the-counter medications that can help with pain and inflammation.
- Immunosuppressants, which can help control the body’s immune system response and resulting symptoms.
- TNF-Alpha Inhibitors, which can fight some inflammatory substances within the body that lead to other health conditions.
- PDE4 Inhibitors, which can help balance inflammatory signals in the body and soothe an overactive immune response.
It’s incredibly important to discuss any potential psoriatic arthritis symptoms with your doctor. The key to living with this condition is treatment. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can cause severe joint damage like permanent deformity or bone damage. But if you’re able to treat and manage psoriatic arthritis, you can slow the progression of this chronic condition, alleviate pain, and potentially prevent serious joint damage.
So, if you think you might be experiencing symptoms that are connected to psoriatic arthritis, make sure to discuss this condition with your doctor. The earlier you’re able to get a diagnosis, the sooner you can begin managing your symptoms and developing a treatment plan.