Insights into Psoriatic Arthritis: Identifying its 5 Variants
Rewritten Article:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) might creep up if you've got psoriasis. Here's a lowdown on the five different types, their symptoms, and solutions to help manage this complex condition.
PsA is a type of arthritis often connected with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition. But don't get 'em twisted – they're not the same. Psoriasis squeezes out red, scaly skin, while PsA usually rears its ugly head as joint pain. You can have both conditions or experience just one on its own.
To tackle PsA effectively, it's crucial to identify the specific type. Here's a rundown of the five main types and treatment ideas for each:
What are the 5 types of psoriatic arthritis?
PsA impacts around 20 to 30 percent of psoriasis patients. Fun fact: It exists in five categories, including:
- Asymmetric PsA
- Symmetric PsA
- DIP PsA (Distal Interphalangeal Predominant)
- Spondylitis PsA
- PsA Mutilans
A doctor's experienced assessment will help confirm your type, taking all symptoms into account.
1. Asymmetric PsA
Asymmetric PsA is the most common type, making up at least 60 percent of cases. Unlike its name suggests, it affects joints individually, favoring one side at a time. For example, your right wrist might be affected, but the left could be just fine. However, you may still feel flare-ups in other joints simultaneously. Research shows that this type is more common in men.
Spotting it
Symptoms of asymmetric PsA can include:- fatigue- blurred vision- swollen fingers and toes- cracked or pitted nails- swollen, painful, tender, stiff, or joints- swollen or painful ligaments or tendons
Treatment
PsA doesn't offer a cure, but treatments can help keep symptoms at bay. Potential solutions might include:- physical therapy- occupational therapy- oral corticosteroids- biologic drugs (adalimumab or etanercept)- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen)- intra-articular joint injections (like hyaluronic acid or cortisone)
2. Symmetric PsA
Symmetric PsA tends to manifest symmetrical symptoms across both sides of the body. This type affects 15 to 61 percent of patients, with women getting hit harder than men.
Spotting it
Symptoms are pretty similar to asymmetric PsA, but symmetric PsA usually targets smaller joints such as the wrists, hands, and feet rather than larger ones like the knees. Occasionally, it can be confused with rheumatoid arthritis. In such cases, a simple blood test can help clarify matters.
Treatment
Treatment plans vary depending on factors such as your age, weight, mobility, pain level, and overall health. And remember, smoking cigarettes can aggravate PsA symptoms and potentially reduce treatment effectiveness.
3. DIP PsA
DIP PsA makes up around 10 percent of PsA cases. It zeroes in on the joints closest to the tips of your fingers and toes (the distal interphalangeal joints). Joint deformities are common in DIP PsA.
Spotting it
Symptoms can include:- Swollen fingers or toes- joint stiffness- ligament or tendon pain- reduced range of motion- changes to the nails, such as pitting, cracking, or discoloration
Treatment
Mild inflammation and pain can be soothed with NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections. For more severe cases, medications like TNF inhibitors can help slow disease progress. For temporary relief, you can try a few DIY treatments like ice packs, nail care, and moisturizers.
4. Spondylitis PsA
Around 7 to 32 percent of people with PsA experience spondylitis (aka axial arthritis), which primarily targets the spine.
Spotting it
Typical symptoms include:- neck and back pain- stiffness- swelling
These symptoms can also affect other areas, such as:- feet- hips- arms- legs- hands
Treatment
Treatment plans may include NSAIDs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, immunosuppressants, sulfasalazine, biologic medications, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
5. PsA Mutilans
PsA Mutilans is a severe form of PsA affecting about 5 percent of people with PsA. It causes significant pain – usually in the hands, feet, or wrists – and can result in joint deformities, damage, and reduced mobility.
Spotting it
Symptoms can include extreme inflammation and:- joint deformities- bone loss- loss of joint function or reduced range of motion- pain radiating to other areas
Treatment
To manage the progression of PsA Mutilans, aggressive treatment is required. Options might include anti-TNF inhibitors, DMARDs, or biologic medications. Research has shown that Enbrel (etanercept) may help improve joint function, but more studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
In conclusion, PsA is a complex form of arthritis that impacts up to 30 percent of psoriasis patients. Every case is unique, and treatment plans depend on multiple factors. Communicating with your doctor and discussing your symptoms, lifestyle, and treatment preferences will help you find the best approach to managing your PsA.
- Psoriatic arthritis, a type of chronic disease, affects around 20 to 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis and can be categorized into five distinct types, including Asymmetric PsA, Symmetric PsA, DIP PsA, Spondylitis PsA, and PsA Mutilans.
- Asymmetric PsA, accounting for at least 60 percent of cases, predominantly affects joints individually, favoring one side at a time, and is more common in men. Symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, swollen fingers and toes, cracked or pitted nails, swollen, painful, tender, stiff, or joints, swollen or painful ligaments or tendons, and potentially flare-ups in multiple joints.
- Treatment for Asymmetric PsA may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, oral corticosteroids, biologic drugs, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and intra-articular joint injections.
- Symmetric PsA, affecting 15 to 61 percent of patients, typically manifests symmetrical symptoms across both sides of the body, primarily targeting smaller joints such as the wrists, hands, and feet. Women are more susceptible to this type of PsA, and treatment plans may vary based on factors including age, weight, mobility, pain level, and overall health.
- Psoriasis and neurological disorders, such as psoriatic arthritis, can impact an individual's health and wellness, as well as their skin care. Proper diagnosis, symptoms management, and treatment can help improve patients' quality of life and reduce the complications associated with chronic diseases like psoriatic arthritis. Other medical conditions like arthritis and skin conditions (such as psoriasis) can coexist with psoriatic arthritis, highlighting the need for comprehensive health and wellness care.
