Psoriatic Arthritis

Pain Science Physical Therapy is trained and experienced in treating psoriatic arthritis. 

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis? 

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that attacks the body's joints. It is associated with the skin condition psoriasis. In fact, one third of people with psoriasis have psoriatic arthritis.¹ It is possible to have psoriatic arthritis and not have psoriasis. 

Just like other autoimmune diseases, research has yet to find a definitive cause for psoriatic arthritis. Genetics plays a role. People of any age can have psoriatic arthritis, but it most commonly starts in middle age. If someone has psoriasis, they can expect that they have a chance of developing psoriatic arthritis within 10 years after the psoriasis diagnosis.

Currently, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. However, there are treatments such as physical therapy and medication.

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms 

Psoriatic arthritis is like other types of arthritis in that there is joint pain and swelling. However, as it is associated with psoriasis, it does have more symptoms that aren’t a part of the other types of arthritis.

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms include: 

• Joint pain
• Joint stiffness
• Swelling around the joints
• Tenderness where the tendons and ligaments attach to the joints
• Psoriasis (red rash and patchy, dry skin) 
• Inflamed, red eyes 
• Blurry vision
• Brittle, pitted nails

Psoriatic arthritis involves five forms of arthritis:

• Polyarthritis (arthritis in five or more areas of the body)²
• Uneven arthritis between the hands and feet
• Arthritis of the fingers and toes
• Arthritis in the lower back (sacroiliac) 
• Arthritis mutilans (destroys or deforms affected joints)³

How Psoriatic Arthritis Is Diagnosed

Psoriatic arthritis is commonly diagnosed by observing the symptoms alongside the presence of psoriasis. However, if the person does not have psoriasis, it is more difficult to diagnose them with psoriatic arthritis. Tests such as MRIs, X-Rays, ultrasounds, and biopsies can all help the diagnosis process.²

Physical Therapy for Psoriatic Arthritis 

Just like any other form of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis benefits from physical therapy. Physical therapy helps people with psoriatic arthritis retain their mobility and reduces the inflammation and pain.

People with any type of arthritis normally want to stop moving because the inflammation and pain make moving uncomfortable and difficult, but what they really need is to move more. Overall, PT and movement improves pain levels and joint function.

If you need help with not letting your psoriatic arthritis control your life, our physical therapists at Pain Science Physical Therapy want to give you the ability to move freely without pain again. Schedule an appointment to find treatment for psoriatic arthritis by using our online portal or calling (206) 327-9880.