Psoriatic arthritis is a type of joint disease that many people do not fully understand. This condition is closely linked to a skin condition called psoriasis.
Early signs can be very subtle which is why knowing what to look for is so important. Here is an article which explains it in detail: https://aarc.sg/condition/psoriatic-arthritis/.
On this page, we will explain what having psoriatic arthritis feels like. Importantly, we will show you which other conditions can be confused with it and point out the first red flag you should watch for among other basics. Keep reading!
What Exactly Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is actually an autoimmune disease that affects your joints and skin. In this condition, your immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake.
This may lead to not just pain, but also swelling, and stiffness. Many people with psoriasis develop this joint disease. Psoriatic arthritis can occur at any age but many people notice symptoms when they are between 30 and 50 years old.
The disease may affect one or more joints and can damage joints if not treated. For someone with psoriatic arthritis, the skin may show signs of psoriasis which may include red, scaly patches.
Your nails might change, too as they can become pitted or discolored. The problem with this condition is that doctors still do not know the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis.
However, it is generally believed that both genes and the environment play a role. Stress and infections may trigger flare-ups.
What Can Be Mistaken for Psoriatic Arthritis?
Sometimes, the signs of psoriatic arthritis can look like other conditions. Because of this, it can be difficult to tell for sure if what you have is psoriatic arthritis or something else which can even lead to delayed diagnosis.
Many diseases share symptoms like joint pain and stiffness which means that for you to get the best treatment and care, your doctors will first need to rule out other causes before they confirm psoriatic arthritis. Here is a quick list of conditions which can be mistaken for psoriatic arthritis;
- Rheumatoid arthritis which also causes joint pain and swelling. It often affects joints symmetrically.
- Osteoarthritis which is caused by wear and tear. It usually affects older people.
- Gout which causes sudden and intense pain. It often affects the big toe.
- Reactive Arthritis which can occur after an infection. It causes joint pain and redness.
- Fibromyalgia which causes widespread pain and fatigue. It does not cause joint swelling.
Each of these conditions has its own features. For example, rheumatoid arthritis may show more morning stiffness while osteoarthritis typically does not include skin changes.
Gout is known for very sudden pain. To tell these diseases apart, doctors use blood tests and imaging.
When you visit a doctor for psoriatic arthritis in Singapore, they will also look at your medical history. When you see a specialist, feel free to share these details and ask any questions you may have about this condition and related ones.
What Is the First Red Flag of Psoriatic Arthritis?
To begin with, if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage that may disable you. It can also lead to other health conditions like diabetes and heart disease. With these complications in mind, many people do wonder, what is the first red flag of psoriatic arthritis?
The first red flag of psoriatic arthritis is typically joint pain that does not go away. This pain may start in one or more joints. It often appears in the fingers or toes. You might notice that your joints feel stiff in the morning. The stiffness may last longer than usual.
Swelling in the joints is also a common sign. Many patients see their fingers or toes become swollen. This condition is sometimes called “sausage digits.” The skin near the joints can also change. You might see redness or scaling on your skin. In some cases, the nails show pits or ridges.
Fatigue, or feeling very tired, is another early sign. While these symptoms may be mild at first, they tend to worsen over time if left unchecked. Here is a quick list of the early red flags you should watch for:
- Persistent joint pain and stiffness
- Swollen fingers or toes (sausage digits)
- Skin and nail changes near affected joints
Please, note that everyone is different so, not everyone will have all these signs. Yet, if you see one or more of these symptoms, you should seek medical help. As you probably understand, early detection is the best way to manage psoriatic arthritis.
Can You Recover from Psoriatic Arthritis?
The symptoms that come with psoriatic arthritis can be frustrating. So, it is understandable if you suspect that you might be having the question and wondering if it is possible to recover from psoriatic arthritis.
Now, as of the time of creating this guide, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis in Singapore and across the world. The good news is that there are many treatments you could use to manage the symptoms. With these treatments, the goal is usually to control pain and reduce inflammation.
Early treatment can prevent joint damage. Each treatment option targets different parts of the disease. If you’re seeking treatment for psoriatic arthritis in Singapore for example, your doctor may start with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
NSAIDs, like ibuprofen, help reduce pain and swelling and work quickly to ease discomfort. If NSAIDs are not enough, the doctors may prescribe disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
DMARDs, like methotrexate, help slow disease progression and work by reducing the overactive immune response. Biologic therapies are another option.
These drugs target specific parts of your immune system. Biologics, like TNF inhibitors, can help many patients feel better.
Corticosteroids are sometimes used for short periods as they work fast to reduce inflammation. However, long-term use of steroids is not recommended because of side effects.
Along with medication, physical therapy is also key. You will want to exercise regularly to improve joint function and reduce stiffness.
Importantly, you will also want to pay attention to your food choices and lifestyle as healthy diet and stress management can boost overall well-being. When you follow your treatment plan, you can lead an active life.
In Closing
Psoriatic arthritis can be difficult to deal with as there are many conditions can mimic its symptoms and there is no cure yet.
The good thing as you have seen is that you can get treatments to control the disease. The sooner you see a doctor, the better you can manage your symptoms. That said, if you notice any early signs, do not delay. If you’re in Singapore, get in touch with a specialist below;
Asia Arthritis & Rheumatology Centre – Dr Annie Law | Senior Rheumatologist | Lupus Treatment Singapore
3 Mount Elizabeth, #05-03 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Phone: +65 8030 7862
