Psoriasis and arthritis become one
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a particular pattern of arthritis seen in association with
psoriasis. There may be inflammation of one of several joints either in the hands, feet or larger joints or the spine. Typically only one set of joints is involved, although in rare cases it can become widespread. About 80% of those affected develop inflammation in their joints after the onset of
psoriasis, but in about 20% the arthritis may be present before psoriasis. The joints affected may become tender, swollen and stiff. There is some evidence that inflammation of the tendons (tendonitis) without obvious inflammation of the
joints (arthritis) may also be more common.
How does it differ from other forms of arthritis?
In some cases it may mimic other forms of
chronic arthritis and indeed having psoriasis does not preclude individuals from developing other forms of arthritis. However typically the pattern of joints that become inflamed is characteristic of psoriatic
arthritis. For example if an entire finger or toe becomes swollen rather than an individual joint this is very suggestive of
psoriatic arthritis. Other typical features may be involvement of the neck in those who suffer from the spinal form of arthritis or involvement of the very end joints of the fingers and toes.
Which joints are involved?
Potentially any joint in the body can be involved but it is unheard of for all of them to become inflamed in any one individual. Usually only one set of joints is involved. Is there any particular age of onset?
Psoriatic arthritis can develop at any age from early childhood and teenage years to later in life. Men and women are almost equally affected and there is some evidence that
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