Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

The symptoms of PsA can vary widely from person to person and may include:

• Joint Pain and Swelling: PsA typically causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the joints. It can affect any joint, including the fingers, toes, knees, elbows, and spine.
• Morning Stiffness: People with PsA often experience stiffness in the affected joints, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
• Skin Symptoms: As PsA is associated with psoriasis, individuals may have skin symptoms such as red, scaly patches on the skin, commonly found on the elbows, knees, and scalp.
• Nail Changes: PsA can cause changes in the nails, including pitting (small dents), discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
• Fatigue: Chronic inflammation can lead to a general feeling of tiredness or fatigue, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life.
• Enthesitis: This is inflammation of the places where tendons and ligaments attach to bones, leading to pain and swelling, commonly in the heels and the bottoms of the feet.
• Dactylitis: Sometimes called "sausage digits," this condition causes swelling of the fingers or toes, making them look like sausages.