Everybody should prioritize their overall physical and mental health. Adults should remain vigilant regarding their bodily changes, as they may indicate an illness. If they exhibit symptoms such as nail pitting and rashes, they should consult a rheumatologist in Lahore. Some diseases require urgent medical attention, or the complications can be life-threatening.
Psoriatic arthritis refers to inflammation of the skin and joints. It can cause the person to experience pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints. There is no permanent cure for the condition; however, the treatment can help the patient manage the symptoms and function adequately. Individuals with a family history of psoriatic arthritis are more to develop the condition.
Signs and Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
The common signs of psoriatic arthritis are:
- The individual can notice swelling in joints. The person feels pain near the ankles, arms, fingers, and toes.
- The joints become stiff, which causes the person to become inactive.
- The person can notice nail pitting. It is a condition that causes holes in the nails that appear as small white spots.
- The person remains lethargic. Due to stiffness in joints, the person is unable to engage in physical activities.
- The person is more likely to suffer from conjunctivitis. It is the inflammation in the white area of the eyes caused due to infection.
- The person is more likely to suffer from tendinitis.
- The skin becomes dry and flaky, causing pain and discomfort.
- An individual suffering from psoriatic arthritis is more likely to suffer from multiple eye-related problems.
Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis
It is an autoimmune condition. The immune system attacks the healthy cells, and the person suffers from multiple problems. The reason behind the occurrence of the condition is not known; however, the risk factors that increase the chances include:
- People with family members diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis are more prone to suffer from the same condition.
- Exposure to bacterial or viral infection can cause the malfunctioning of the immune system.
- Individuals diagnosed with psoriasis are at a higher risk of suffering from psoriatic arthritis.
- Exposure to toxins can cause a person to suffer from the condition.
Complications Associated with Psoriatic Arthritis
The complications associated with psoriatic arthritis are:
The people are at a higher risk of suffering from an infection that can cause further complications.
- People can suffer from conjunctivitis and other eye-related problems.
- The person may develop arthritis mutilans, which can cause unbearable pain and affect movement.
- It can lead to bone deformity, leading to multiple physical problems.
- Individuals diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular diseases, which might be life-threatening.
Tests to Diagnose Psoriatic Arthritis
The tests that help diagnose a patient with psoriatic arthritis are:
- Physical Examination: The specialist will check the inflammation in the joints and changes in the texture of the skin.
- RF: Rheumatoid factor test helps determine if the symptoms correlate with rheumatoid arthritis.
- HLA-B27: The test helps detect the presence of antigens in the body that reveal that the person is suffering from an autoimmune disease.
- ESR: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate helps determine the severity of the condition.
- Imaging Testing: X-ray helps in detecting if the patient is suffering from a bone deformity. Additionally, the bone density scan allows the specialist to understand the condition and its severity.
Procedure and Therapy to Treat Psoriatic Arthritis
- Joint Replacement: It is a surgical procedure advised in severe cases. The damaged joints are replaced with a prosthesis to promote movement and reduce pain.
- UV Phototherapy: The therapy helps control the excessive and abnormal growth of skin cells. It helps reduce the dryness on the skin and ease the pain.
Individuals diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis must consult a rheumatologist in Islamabad for guidance regarding managing the symptoms and opting for the effective treatment option.
