What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin and nail disease that causes red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. Psoriatic arthritis is similar to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in symptoms and joint inflammation, but it tends to affect fewer joints than RA.
Psoriatic arthritis treatment
Treatment will address psoriatic arthritis symptoms, including your skin condition and joint inflammation. There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis; however, you can reduce your psoriatic arthritis symptoms by sticking to your treatment plan.
Treatment plans for patients will be determined by their care team based on age, medical history, type and stage of psoriatic arthritis and personal preferences. Psoriatic arthritis treatment options may include:
- Medication
- Surgery (usually not needed until years after diagnosis)
- Occupational therapy
- Exercise
- Physical therapy
- Management of skin rash
- Clinical trials (when appropriate)