When psoriasis arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops in people with psoriasis. Also known as psoriatic arthritis, it doesn’t just affect your skin—it attacks your joints, tendons, and sometimes even your spine. Many people ignore early signs because they think psoriasis is just a skin issue. But if you have scaly, red patches on your elbows, knees, or scalp and suddenly notice your fingers or toes swelling up like sausages, that’s not normal. It’s your immune system turning on your own body.
This condition doesn’t show up the same way for everyone. Some feel pain in just one joint, others get it in their lower back, neck, or even where tendons attach to bones—like the bottom of the foot. You might wake up with stiff hands, struggle to grip a coffee cup, or feel a deep ache in your heels after walking. These aren’t just "old age" symptoms. They’re warning signs tied directly to skin inflammation, the same immune-driven process that causes psoriasis plaques. The connection between skin and joint damage isn’t random. It’s the same overactive immune response, just hitting different parts of your body. That’s why people with long-term psoriasis are at higher risk—and why skipping skin checkups can mean missing early joint damage.
It’s also linked to other things you might not expect. If you’ve been told you have joint pain, a common symptom that can stem from many causes, including arthritis, injury, or overuse. and you’re also dealing with fatigue, nail pitting, or eye redness, that’s not coincidence. These are all pieces of the same puzzle. Unlike regular osteoarthritis, psoriatic arthritis can flare suddenly and damage cartilage fast if left unchecked. And while psoriasis arthritis symptoms can look similar to rheumatoid arthritis, the treatment path is different. What works for one might make the other worse.
The posts below cover real-world insights from people who’ve lived with this. You’ll find info on how NSAIDs like etodolac help manage the pain, how timing your meds matters to avoid side effects, and why corticosteroids like prednisone can be a double-edged sword. There’s also advice on spotting delayed reactions, understanding drug interactions, and what to ask your doctor when symptoms change. This isn’t just about managing pain—it’s about catching the bigger picture before it gets worse.
Psoriatic arthritis links skin and joint inflammation through the same immune response. Learn the key signs-like dactylitis and nail changes-and how modern treatments can prevent joint damage and improve daily life.