Overview
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, a skin condition. It can affect joints, the spine, tendons and nails.
Treatment aims to control both joint and skin disease and to prevent joint damage.
Watch and learn
Video: “Psoriatic Arthritis Overview | Johns Hopkins Medicine” from Johns Hopkins Rheumatology on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
Video: “What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?” from Cleveland Clinic on YouTube. It loads from youtube-nocookie.com only when you press play. Shown for general education; GSMC did not produce it. Watch on YouTube
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Symptoms
- Painful, swollen joints, sometimes on one side only
- Swelling of a whole finger or toe (“sausage digit”)
- Heel or tendon pain
- Nail pitting or separation
- Back stiffness
- Psoriasis skin patches (may appear before or after joint symptoms)
Causes and risk factors
- Immune-driven inflammation linked with psoriasis
- Family history
- Obesity may increase risk
How it is diagnosed
- Blood tests: often negative for RF and anti-CCP; CRP and ESR for inflammation
- Imaging: X-rays, ultrasound or MRI may show joint and tendon inflammation
- Exam of skin, nails and joints
Treatment, step by step
Treatment is tailored to you. Medicines are described here in general terms; your rheumatologist will explain the specific options, benefits, risks and monitoring for your situation.
Lifestyle and self-care
Regular exercise, a healthy weight and not smoking may help.
Disease-modifying medicines (DMARDs and biologics)
Conventional DMARDs such as methotrexate, and biologic or targeted medicines (for example TNF, IL-17 or IL-23 inhibitors), are used based on which areas are affected.
Joint injections and infusions
A corticosteroid injection may help a single inflamed joint. Some biologics are given by infusion. Infusions are currently given at a partner hospital; in-office infusions at GSMC are planned. Call 732-202-3000 for details.
Referral and team care
Care often includes dermatology for skin and nails.
What to expect at GSMC
- Your first visit: a rheumatologist reviews your symptoms, history and medicines and examines your joints, skin and other areas.
- Tests: blood tests and imaging, as needed, to confirm the diagnosis and check how active the disease is.
- Your plan: we explain your options, including lifestyle steps and medicines, and how each is monitored.
- Follow-up: regular visits and lab checks to adjust treatment over time.
Shahzad Hussain, MD sees rheumatology patients in Brick, Toms River and Whiting. Call 732-202-3000 to schedule.
Frequently asked questions
Can I have PsA without psoriasis?
Joint symptoms sometimes appear before skin psoriasis. A family history of psoriasis can be a clue.
Does treatment help the skin too?
Many medicines treat both skin and joint disease.
Is PsA progressive?
It can be, which is why early treatment is recommended.
This page is general patient education and does not replace advice from your own clinician. Individual results vary.