Psoriatic arthritis – causes, treatment, diet

Psoriatic arthritis (Latin: psoriatic arthritis) is an autoimmune disease that often accompanies skin psoriasis. It is a condition that affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness and deformity. In this article we will discuss the causes, symptoms, various forms of the disease, diagnostic methods, available treatments and appropriate diets.

Who develops psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis can occur in anyone who has cutaneous psoriasis. Regardless of age, gender or genetics, every patient with psoriasis is at risk of developing this disease. However, psoriatic arthritis is more likely to occur in people aged 30-50.

What are the most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

Although the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may vary from patient to patient, there are some common symptoms that are worth knowing. The most common symptoms include:

• Pain and swelling in the joints, often occurring in the morning or after long periods of rest;
• Stiff joints that may last for several hours;
• Redness and warmth around the affected joints;
• Problems walking and performing daily activities;
• Joint deformations in the advanced stage of the disease.

What forms of psoriatic arthritis can be distinguished?

Psoriatic arthritis can take many forms, depending on the areas of the joints that are affected. The most common forms of this disease are:

• Asymmetrical form where only some joints are affected;
• A symmetrical form in which symmetrical pairs of joints (e.g. both hands) are affected;
• Spondylitic form, which affects the joints of the spine;
• A dystrophic form characterized by joint deformities.

How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be challenging because the symptoms often resemble other joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The doctor makes a diagnosis based on:

• physical examination and symptom assessment;
• Blood tests to detect inflammatory markers;
• Joint imaging, such as MRI or X-ray;
• Assess the patient’s medical history.

What is the treatment for psoriatic arthritis?

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis aims to relieve symptoms, control the disease, and improve the patient’s quality of life. Treatment methods may include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce pain and inflammation;
• Disease-modifying drugs that influence autoimmune processes;
• Physiotherapy and exercise therapy to improve joint function;
• A diet rich in anti-inflammatory ingredients such as omega-3s and antioxidants;
• Biological therapy that can be used in more severe cases of the disease.

Your suggestions

If you have psoriatic arthritis or think you may have it, it is important to consult a rheumatologist. It is also worth leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a proper diet and exercising regularly to keep your joints in good condition.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in psoriatic arthritis, we also recommend reading other articles on this topic that may expand your knowledge on the subject:

• “Psoriasis – causes, symptoms and treatment” – learn more about the basic disease that often accompanies psoriatic arthritis;
• “Effective methods of dealing with joint pain” – find out how to relieve the pain caused by the disease;
• “Anti-inflammatory diet – how it affects joint health” – learn the principles of a healthy diet that can help alleviate symptoms.

It is important to be well informed about psoriatic arthritis to effectively manage the disease and improve your quality of life.