Psoriatic Arthritis Health Center

Psoriatic Arthritis: The Basics

What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Symptoms include pain and swelling in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, ankles, feet, and spine; morning stiffness; and fatigue similar to that of rheumatoid arthritis (inflammatory arthritis). Psoriatic arthritis can also cause inflammation in other areas of the body, including the eyes.

How is psoriatic arthritis treated?

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis consists of twice daily moist heat applications, exercises, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). If there is little improvement or if there are permanent changes on an X-ray, then a disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) or a biologic drug will be added to help prevent long-term joint damage.

Is there a cure for psoriatic arthritis?

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. But use of biologic agents have made remission a real possibility.