Psoriatic Arthritis: A Common Type 

By Peter Johnson

Psoriatic arthritis is one of the most common forms of Arthritis and can occur equally in both men and women. Psoriatic arthritis usually attacks people between the ages 30-50, it can however also affect younger age groups- even children.  Psoriatic arthritis, like most types of arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis, and usually affects those who are suffering the skin illness, psoriasis.

Psoriatic arthritis will lead to psoriatic nail lesions, which is actually the pitting of the nails, and if a person has a severe case of psoriatic arthritis, then it may lead to the loss of the nail itself.  The psoriatic arthritis may also cause tendonitis and a swelling of the digits, known as Dactilytis. Rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis have almost the same types of treatment- which does make things somewhat simpler.  Because of the swelling or inflammation that occurs, the treatment is also directed on it --- to control and reduce the inflammation. 

There are essentially two lines of defense for psoriatic arthritis; the first line of medication is through Diclofenac and Naproxen.  If there are only a few joints that are affected, then patients can opt to have a corticosteroid joint injection (an injection directly into the joint).  If the affected area or joint has already advanced to a severe case or can't be treated with the first line of medication, then a second line of medication must be applied, which needs to be used in conjunction with the first line of arthritis treatment. 

Psoriatic arthritis's second line of defense lies in immunosuppressant’s such as Methotrexate.  As this second type of medication is much stronger than the first medications, it does not only treat the psoriatic arthritis, but also the psoriasis itself.

Further to this it is also important to know which type of psoriatic arthritis a person has, this way, he/she would know the magnitude of the disorder and the treatment or medication that must be taken. 

Psoriatic arthritis has five types, which are distinctly affecting the joints and the person in various degrees and levels.  These are:

(1) Symmetric - affects the joints of both sides of the body simultaneously.

(2) Asymmetric - generally mild, and does not affect both sides of the body.

(3) Arthritis Mutilans - a severe case, which is a deforming and destructive type of psoriatic arthritis.

(4) Spondylitis - almost the same as asymmetric psoriatic arthritis, but it usually affects the spine or neck.

(5) Distal Interphalangeal Predominant - inflammation and stiffness of the joints nearest the finger or toe tips.

Psoriatic arthritis can be treated and effectively managed if it is cared for and treated immediately. It is therefore crucial to be prepared and able to read the signs and symptoms and treat the condition earlier before more serious types of medication are required.