Insights into Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding the Five Distinct Types
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a type of arthritis that affects around 20 to 30 percent of individuals with psoriasis. Here's a detailed guide on the five different types of PsA, their symptoms, and treatment options.
Understanding the Types of Psoriatic Arthritis
PsA is related to psoriasis, a chronic skin condition marked by red, scaling skin. In contrast, PsA typically presents with joint pain. Coincidentally, it is possible to have both conditions or just one without the other. Understanding the specific type of PsA can aid in receiving the appropriate treatment.
Below are the five main types of PsA and tips for recognizing each:
1. Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis
Asymmetric PsA is the most common type, making up at least 60 percent of cases. It affects individual joints rather than pairs, and one side of the body may not be affected uniformly. According to a 2019 study, this type of PsA is more common in men.
Symptoms may include:- Fatigue- Blurred vision- Swollen fingers or toes- Pitting or cracking nails- Swollen, tender, stiff, or painful joints- Swollen or painful ligaments or tendons
2. Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis
Symmetric PsA affects both sides of the body simultaneously and accounts for 15 to 61 percent of cases. This type is more common in women. Symptoms are similar to those seen in asymmetric PsA but tend to target smaller joints such as those in the feet or hands.
3. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) Psoriatic Arthritis
Approximately 10 percent of people with PsA have DIP PsA, which primarily affects the DIP joints near the tips of toes and fingers.
Symptoms include:- Swollen fingers or toes- Ligament or tendon pain- Reduced range of motion- Joint stiffness in fingers or toes- Nail problems such as pitting, discoloration, or cracking
4. Spondylitis Psoriatic Arthritis
Around 7 to 32 percent of people with PsA have spondylitis PsA or axial arthritis, which targets the joints between spinal vertebrae.
Symptoms include:- Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the neck, back, and other areas such as the feet, hips, arms, and legs- Possible deformities and reduced range of motion
5. Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans
PsA mutilans is a rare but severe form of PsA, affecting around 5 percent of individuals with PsA. It typically causes extreme inflammation, leading to joint damage, severe pain, and deformities.
Diagnosis and Treatment
PsA does not currently have a cure, but various treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Diagnosis involves clinical examination, imaging, and blood tests depending on the type of PsA.
The appropriate treatment plan depends on individual symptoms and lifestyle factors. Treatments may include:- Physical therapy and occupational therapy- Oral corticosteroids like prednisone- Biologic drugs like adalimumab or etanercept- NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen- Intra-articular joint injections
For mild inflammation, at-home remedies such as cold therapy, nail care, soaking, and keeping hands and feet dry may provide temporary relief. However, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional before implementing an at-home treatment plan to ensure it does not interfere with prescription treatments or exacerbate unique symptoms.
If you suspect you may have PsA, consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), a type of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, can affect around 20 to 30 percent of psoriasis sufferers.
- Understanding the specific type of PsA, such as asymmetric PsA, symmetric PsA, Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA, spondylitis PsA, or PsA mutilans, can aid in receiving the appropriate treatment.
- Asymmetric PsA, the most common type, primarily affects individual joints rather than pairs, and may cause symptoms like fatigue, swollen fingers or toes, pitting or cracking nails, and joint stiffness.
- Diagnosis and treatment of PsA involve clinical examination, imaging, blood tests, and a variety of treatments such as physical therapy, oral corticosteroids, biologic drugs, NSAIDs, intra-articular joint injections, and at-home remedies for mild inflammation.
- If you suspect you may have PsA, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, as PsA does not currently have a cure, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
