Psoriatic Arthritis

Key takeaways

• Morning stiffness, swollen joints, heel pain or a whole swollen finger or toe can occur even when skin psoriasis is mild.
• Assessment considers the joint pattern, nails, skin, imaging, inflammation and other causes such as gout or infection.
• Early control of inflammation can protect function; medicine selection depends on skin and joint domains, infection risk and other health factors.

Catalogue matches do not establish psoriatic arthritis or indicate a suitable immune-modifying treatment.

Which symptoms are useful clues?

Dactylitis, nail pitting and pain where tendons attach to bone can distinguish psoriatic arthritis from common mechanical pain. Symptoms may be asymmetric, and skin and joint flares may occur at different times.

What is treatment trying to achieve?

Care aims to reduce pain and inflammation, preserve movement and prevent structural damage. Leflunomide is one disease-modifying option; suitability and monitoring are determined by rheumatology. Exercise and physiotherapy support function.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent assessment for a suddenly hot, very painful swollen joint with fever, new eye pain or vision change, or severe weakness or numbness.