Psoriatic Arthritis: When Skin Disease Affects Your Joints
Verified By
KIMS-SUNSHINE
Specialist,
19 November, 2025
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling etc. It is associated with psoriatic lesions on the skin and nails. About 20% of patients with this chronic inflammatory arthritis have psoriasis as a comorbidity. Psoriasis is also an auto-immune skin condition that causes itchy, scaly patches on the skin. This condition usually affects individuals between the ages of 18-35 yrs. Most people are initially affected by psoriasis first and then develop arthritis. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can be mild or serious, as this condition goes through cycles and there will be episodes of flare ups and remissions. Permanent cure is not available, but treatment soothes the symptoms and protects joints from damage.
Psoriatic Arthritis Its Causes, Symptoms And Risk Factors
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory form of arthritis which is linked intricately with an autoimmune skin condition known as psoriasis. This condition is aggressive and is characterised by potential morbidity and compromised quality of life.
Causes & Risk factors
The cause of psoriatic arthritis is still unknown, Some researchers theorise that certain genes that make a protein called HLA-B27 is found on the surface of some WBC’s which could be a cause. But not everyone with this gene develops psoriatic arthritis and not every person with psoriatic arthritis has this gene. Psoriatic arthritis is hence caused by a complex interplay of genetic factors, environmental triggers and dysregulated immune responses, leading to inflammation of joints, entheses and the skin.
Genetic factors create susceptibility while environmental triggers like infection or stress can cause immune cells to get activated. Inflammatory cytokines are released, which promote synovitis and other inflammatory responses. Tissue specific actions like osteoclast activation which leads to resorption of bones and subsequent bone loss is present. New bone formations show periostitis in radiology.
The hall mark of psoriatic arthritis is enthesitis – which is systematic inflammation of bone where tendons, ligaments and joint capsules meet, also called the entheses.
Symptoms
- The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis share some symptoms with rheumatoid arthritis, where in both the conditions have joint involvement making them painful, swollen and warm to touch. Psoriatic arthritis can affect joints on one or both sides.
- Swollen fingers that look like sausages.
- Pain in the tendons and ligaments of the foot that attach with bones especially, the back of heel causing Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis.
- Spondylitis with stiff spine and physical changes in finger nails – like pits and dents. Nails also become brittle, crumbly and start to lift away from skin.
- Eye inflammation and fatigue.
Diagnosing And Treating Psoriatic Arthritis
Diagnosis of this condition requires careful observation of the swelling, checking for changes in fingernails and sore spots on the heels. Lab tests like Rheumatoid factor test needs to be done to rule out rheumatoid arthritis. Imaging techniques like x-ray of the joints and MRI scans that are specific to tendons and ligament changes can also be recommended.
Biologic Therapy For Psoriatic Arthritis
Biologics are a class of disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARD’s) that target only a specific part of the immune system, controlling inflammation and preventing joint damage.
Lifestyle management and exercises are very important for patients with psoriatic arthritic care as they help in managing symptoms, reduce inflammation and improve joint function, along with medications. Weight management, regular low impact exercises, a healthy anti-inflammatory diet and limiting consumption of processed foods like saturated fats, sugar and red meat can help in managing psoriatic arthritis.
Conclusion
Untreated psoriatic arthritis can cause strange complications, if it is left untreated. The inflammation of psoriatic arthritis can attack other systems causing chronic complications like diabetes, cardiac issues, inflammatory bowel disorders, mood disorders, spondylitis, uveitis etc. Other common complications like joint damage and disability can be seen due to persistent inflammation. Even though the real reason for psoriatic arthritis is unknown, some target treatments like DMARD drugs help in correcting the defective gene. Psoriatic arthritis does not have a permanent cure, so effective management needs to be a priority. This can be done by placing an emphasis on proper lifestyle management techniques and avoiding triggers to control flare ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the early symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
What are the main causes or triggers?
Can exercise improve joint flexibility and pain?
What happens if psoriatic arthritis is left untreated?
How can lifestyle changes help manage this condition?
