Exploring Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding its 5 Distinct Forms
In the realm of health, if you're dealing with psoriasis, brace yourself—you might find psoriatic arthritis (PsA) knocking at your door. Here's a breakdown of the five types, what to watch out for, and treatment tips for each.
PsA and psoriasis—one's a skin condition, the other a joint issue. While they're related, they're not the same beast. Understand them separately to move forward with the right treatment plan.
PsA ain't got a cure, but you can manage those symptoms like a pro. Your doc can help point you in the right direction. Here's a rundown:
Five Main Types of Psoriatic Arthritis
PsA affects around 20 to 30% of folks with psoriasis. Let's dive into the different types:
- Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis: This is the most common type, accounting for around 60% of cases. It targets individual joints rather than matching up joints on opposite sides. You might find yourself dealing with pain in your right hand but no issues in your left. But don't worry, it ain't exclusively a one-sided affair. Both sides might get in on the action at the same time. According to a 2019 study, it tends to be more common in men.
### Spotting It
Common symptoms include fatigue, swollen fingers/toes, blurred vision, pitting or cracking nails, and swollen, tender, stiff, or painful joints. Swollen or painful ligaments or tendons are also in the game.
### Treating It
PsA treatment options vary, and it's all about finding the perfect combo or solo treatment to rule those symptoms. Some potential treatments are: - Physical therapy - Occupational therapy - Oral corticosteroids like prednisone - Biologic drugs like adalimumab or etanercept - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) like aspirin or ibuprofen - Intra-articular joint injections like hyaluronic acid or cortisone
- Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis: This version targets both sides of the body at the same time. Symptoms are similar to asymmetric PsA, but it tends to focus on smaller joints, such as the feet or hands. It accounts for 15 to 61% of cases and is more common in women.
### Spotting It
Much like asymmetric PsA, symmetric PsA has similar symptoms. However, it tends to affect smaller joints.
### Treating It
The treatment plan for this one depends on individual factors like age, weight, mobility, pain level, and overall health.
PsA PSA: You'll want to Avoid smokes like they're the plague—cigarette smoke can make your symptoms worse and might even reduce the effectiveness of treatments.
- Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) Psoriatic Arthritis: Approximately 10% of folks with PsA have this form. It goes after the DIP joints near the tips of your toes and fingers.
### Spotting It
Swollen fingers and toes are dead giveaways. Other symptoms include reduced range of motion and joint stiffness in fingers and toes. Nail issues, like pitting, crumbling, white spots, discoloration, cracking, or detachment, are also common.
### Treating It
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or corticosteroid injections can help tame mild inflammation and discomfort. For severe cases, you might receive tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, which might slow disease progression.
- Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis: Roughly 7 to 32% of those with PsA experience spondylitis PsA, aka axial arthritis. This version primarily targets the joints between the spinal vertebrae.
### Spotting It
This form of PsA can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in your neck, back, and sometimes other joints like the feet, hips, arms, legs, and hands.
### Treating It
Treatment options forthis one can include NSAIDs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, immunosuppressants, sulfasalazine (Azulfidine), biologic medications (like TNF inhibitors), and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
- Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans: This is a severe form of PsA. Only around 5% of those with PsA experience this. It mainly affects the hands, feet, and wrists, causing extreme inflammation and joint damage.
### Spotting It
PsA mutilans can cause deformities, bone loss, and disability. You might feel pain that radiates to other areas of the body.
### Treating It
Treatment for PsA mutilans is ongoing to manage symptoms and prevent further progression. Treatment options can include anti-TNF inhibitors, DMARDs, or biologic medications. One 2011 study found that the drug etanercept (Enbrel) might help restore joint function.
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) frequently accompanies psoriasis, with around 20 to 30% of psoriasis sufferers experiencing it, and understanding the differences between psoriasis and PsA is crucial for effective treatment.
- Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis, the most common type, accounts for approximately 60% of cases and primarily affects individual joints rather than matching up joints on opposite sides, causing symptoms such as swollen fingers, toes, blurred vision, and swollen or painful joints.
- Treatment for Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis may involve a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy, oral corticosteroids, biologic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or intra-articular joint injections.
- A 2019 study has indicated that Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis tends to be more common in men.
- Psoriatic arthritis has multiple types, each with unique characteristics, symptoms, and treatment plans, making it essential to work closely with a healthcare professional to manage symptoms effectively.
