Psoriatic Arthritis

About 1.5 million Americans have psoriatic arthritis, a chronic disease affecting the joints and tendons. At StrongURCare in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, the skilled urgent care team offers psoriatic arthritis treatments that ease symptoms and lower the chance of complications. Schedule an appointment by phone, online, or simply walk in today.

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects people with the skin condition psoriasis, as well as those with a family history of psoriasis. People with psoriatic arthritis have symptoms of both arthritis and psoriasis, including skin changes and swollen or painful joints. Treatment at StrongURCare offers symptom relief and a better quality of life.

Which symptoms can psoriatic arthritis cause?

Psoriatic arthritis can cause the following symptoms:

• Joint swelling
• Swelling in your fingers and toes
• Foot pain
• Lower back pain
• Vision changes
• Stiffness
• Joint pain or tenderness
• Discoloration near the affected joints
• Skin rash on your elbows, lower back, knees, scalp, or other areas
• Pitting or discoloration in your toenails or fingernails
• Fatigue

You might experience flare-ups or symptoms that come and go. Severe psoriatic arthritis symptoms can make it difficult to move your joints or cause larger psoriasis patches on your skin. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms often appear between ages of 30 and 50. 

What are the risk factors for psoriatic arthritis?

Things that can increase your risk of developing psoriatic arthritis include a family history of psoriatic arthritis and genetic changes.

Psoriatic arthritis appears when your immune system mistakenly attacks tissues within your body. About 4 in 10 people with this type of arthritis have a family member with it, and about 1 in 3 people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis. 

How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

The experts at StrongURCare can diagnose psoriatic arthritis by discussing your symptoms, reviewing your personal and family medical histories, and examining your skin, nails, and joints. 

You might undergo blood tests, joint fluid tests, and imaging procedures such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds to assess the severity of your condition and develop an effective treatment plan.

How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

Your personalized psoriatic arthritis treatment plan can consist of:

• Cold or heat therapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Over-the-counter (OTC) medication
• Prescription medication
• Injections 
• Infusions
• Surgery

Psoriatic arthritis can’t be cured, but treatment can help you manage unpleasant symptoms and avoid complications. It’s helpful to maintain a healthy weight, stay active, eat nutritious foods, minimize stress, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. 

Schedule a psoriatic arthritis evaluation at StrongURCare by calling the office, booking an appointment online, or walking in today.