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Psoriasis is found in about 2.2% of people in the United States, or about 7.5 million individuals. Research shows that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) appears in at least 30% of those with psoriasis. A study published within the last eight years in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology even estimated that 36% of Americans with psoriasis have been diagnosed with PsA.

A chronic auto immune disease, psoriasis is caused by an accumulation of skin cells. This occurs because skin cells are created more rapidly than normal. This is caused by an overactive immune system. Usually, skin cells develop and are discarded by the body over a period of about one month. With psoriasis, the process takes only three to four days and the skin cells do not shed but cluster on the skins surface. Psoriasis may develop on any area of the body. Although it is usually diagnosed in adults, it can occur in all age groups. It is not contagious.

Although psoriatic arthritis affects some with psoriasis, it is possible that it may appear years after the psoriasis diagnosis. As with rheumatoid arthritis, it causes joint pain but PsA tends to affect a smaller number of joints. In some cases, the joint pain may begin around the time the skin shows signs of psoriasis. PsA is usually diagnosed with among adults between ages thirty and fifty-five but it can develop in any age group.

Symptoms

Several common areas have been identified for PsA. The include fingers and toes, hands and feet and the lower back and spine. In some cases, arthritis mutilans may develop. This severe condition may destroy the small bones in the hands. Deformed hands may result, leading to disability.

Symptoms of PsA may appear for a time and then subside. They include a feeling in the joints of pain and warmth and a noticeable swelling. The swelling can appear in fingers and toes. Additionally, pain may arise in the feet or lower back. With foot pain, PsA may occur at the point of attachment of tendons and ligaments to the bone. When pain occurs in the back, inflammation begins at the joints between vertebrae and the spine and pelvis. This is called spondylitis.

Changes in the appearance of fingernails and toenails are symptoms of psoriatic arthritis. The nail may deteriorate or leave the nail bed and pits or dents may appear.

An inflammation in the middle layer of the eye may also occur. Blurred vision, redness or pain may result from this condition, called uveitis. Vision loss may result if it is left untreated.

The importance of early detection

Early diagnosis has been identified as an effective way to slow or reduce potential irreversible joint damage. While there is no cure for PsA, early detection can help doctors and patients plan an effective treatment regimen. If someone begins to experience symptoms, it is advisable that they consult their primary care physician, a dermatologist or rheumatologist. The earlier the diagnosis is established, the better chances are of slowing progression. Managing the symptoms can also begin sooner.

A diagnosis may involve a physical examination and questions about family and personal medical history. When consulting a physician or specialist, patients should notify them of joint pain especially if it lasts six to eight weeks. Any joint stiffness or swelling should also be reported. If signs of psoriasis are not visible, it may be necessary to test blood or uric acid levels or to employ imaging techniques such as X-Rays, MRI or ultrasound.

Management and treatment

Treatment to manage PsA and limit joint pain may include physical and occupational therapy. Additionally, medications designed to reduce inflammation and pain may be prescribed. Certain areas of the immune system can also be targeted by biologic response modifiers. Other medications can decrease the activity of inflammation-causing enzymes.

The relationship between PsA and other chronic or medical conditions considered comorbidities has also been established, connecting cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other conditions to PsA. Additionally, inflammatory bowel disease, liver disease, depression, anxiety and fibromyalgia may have and impact or be affected by PsA. Diligent management of these conditions will also coincide with the independent management of PsA.

To learn more about a variety of health conditions, management and treatment, log on to vascularhealthclinics.org.

Omar P. Haqqani is the Chief of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery at Vascular Health Clinics in Midland. If you have questions about your cardiovascular health, including heart, blood pressure, stroke lifestyle and other issues, we want to answer them. Submit your questions to Dr. Haqqani by e-mail at questions@vascularhealthclinics.org.

Read more from the original source:
Dr. Haqqani: Early detection of psoriatic arthritis advantageous - Midland Daily News

This entry was posted on December 22, 2021 at 1:50 am and is filed under Arthritis. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed. |