Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) emerges as a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by joint inflammation, often affecting individuals with psoriasis, an autoimmune skin disorder marked by red, scaly patches.
While PsA typically appears between ages 30 and 50, it can affect various joints, potentially leading to joint damage if untreated. Both men and women face equal risk of PsA.
What are the common symptoms of PsA?
Psoriatic arthritis manifests with stiffness and swelling in one or multiple joints, sometimes accompanied by dactylitis (swelling of fingers and toes) and nail pitting. Other indicators include enthesitis (tendon inflammation), back pain, colitis, and uveitis (eye inflammation).
Diagnosis entails a physical examination to assess joint and nail health, alongside imaging scans like X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, or CT scans. Blood tests and skin biopsies may aid in confirming psoriasis.
What are the treatments for PsA?
Treatment strategies aim to alleviate pain, and inflammation, and prevent long-term joint damage. Mild symptoms may be managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium. Corticosteroid injections may provide relief for localized pain and swelling.
In cases where NSAIDs are ineffective, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as sulfasalazine, methotrexate, or leflunomide, or biologics like adalimumab, etanercept, infliximab, secukinumab, ixekizumab, ustekinumab, guselkumab, and abatacept, may be prescribed.
Oral medications like tofacitinib and apremilast have also shown efficacy. Treatment plans are tailored to individual needs in consultation with a rheumatologist.
How to live with PsA?
Maintaining regular follow-up appointments with a rheumatologist is crucial for effective PsA management. Engaging in regular exercise such as walking, biking, and yoga helps strengthen joints and improve cardiovascular health.
Routine check-ups with a primary care physician are advised to monitor overall health indicators like blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol levels. For those also contending with psoriasis, dermatological care may involve additional treatments to address skin symptoms.
About Dr. Shalene Badhan
When it comes to managing rheumatologic conditions, empathy is as crucial as expertise. Dr. Shalene Badhan, our lead Rheumatologist and an Internal Medicine specialist, embodies both. Having been diagnosed with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis herself, Dr. Badhan brings a unique perspective to her practice, combining professional excellence with personal insight. Her journey through diagnosis, treatment, and daily management of autoimmune diseases allows her to connect with her patients on a profound level, offering not just medical advice but also understanding and solidarity.
