Information for Psoriatic Arthritis Sufferers

What is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis causes swelling and pain in and around the joints. It can affect a number of joints including the fingers, wrists, toes, knees, ankles, elbows and shoulder joints, the spine and joints in the lower back (called sacroiliac joints).

• Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects psoriasis sufferers. Men and women are affected equally.
• It can appear at any age, but usually develops in people between the ages of 20 and 50, and after the person has already been suffering from psoriasis for several years.

Psoriasis is a skin condition where the body’s healing process tries to heal an area that isn’t injured, causing an excess build-up of new skin cells to replace undamaged skin cells. The new cells push their way to the top layer of skin and create a raised area on the skin’s surface. These cells quickly die due to their location and the lack of blood flow to them. The dead cells form a white or silvery colored crust on the skin, which is commonly associated with psoriasis.

• Psoriatic arthritis also affects tissues surrounding the joints including tendons and ligaments.
• It may cause a swelling of the whole digit “sausage” finger or toe.
• There is also skin inflammation, particularly on the elbows, knees and scalp.

There are 5 types of psoriatic arthritis:

1. Symmetric. This affects the same joint on both sides of the body (for example, both knees). This type is also the most similar to rheumatoid arthritis.
2. Asymmetric. The opposite of symmetric, as it does not affect the same joints on opposite sides of the body. Usually only affects 3 joints at a time.
3. Spondylitis. This type generally affects the spine and neck.
4. Distal interphalangeal predominant. This type affects the finger and toe joints. It’s recognized by the finger or toe nails changing in appearance.
5. Arthritis mutilans. This destructive type can cause severe joint damage over several months or years.

Do I have it?

There are some warning signs of psoriatic arthritis, so if you experience the following, go see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.

• Pain and swelling in the fingers or toes.
• Fingernails or toenails lifting up from the skin or getting small holes in them (known as pitting).
• Pain and swelling over tendons and ligaments.
• Reduced range of motion in your joints.
• Morning stiffness and tiredness.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor will probably be able to more easily diagnose you having psoriatic arthritis if you have psoriasis along with a single or several red, swollen fingers or toes. Usually, if your nails and skin are affected along with your joints, a firm diagnosis can be made.

This form of arthritis is similar to other forms such as gout, Reiter's syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, so your doctor may perform the following:

• A physical examination and order various tests to assist in diagnosis.
• X-rays are often done to look for changes to the bone.
• Blood and joint fluid tests may be used to rule out other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, reactive arthritis, or gout.

If your doctor thinks you have psoriatic arthritis, he or she will refer you to a rheumatologist to begin treatment.

A rheumatologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems with joints, muscles and bones.

Do you have more questions?

We encourage you to contact our office directly with any questions you may have regarding joint pain. We will do our best to answer your questions in a thorough and courteous manner.

Feel free to email us at service@mendmeshop.com. Emails will be answered promptly between 9am and 5pm (Eastern Standard Time) on weekdays.

Alternatively, for those located within the US or Canada, you may contact us on our toll free number 1-866-237-9608. If you live outside of these countries, call our local number at 705 445 3505

Our Office Hours

Monday to Thursday 8:00am to 9:00pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Saturday 12:00pm to 5:00pm (Eastern Standard Time)
Sunday 12:00pm to 9:00pm (Eastern Standard Time)

We wish great you a great day and we look forward to hearing from you.

Please contact us for more information. Will this product be able to control my pain and inflammation? There is a great possibility it can. All you need to do is call or email.