Insights on Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding Its Five Distinct Varieties

Insights on Psoriatic Arthritis: Understanding Its Five Distinct Varieties

Psoriatic Arthritis and its Five Different Types: Symptoms and Treatments Unveiled

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a condition related to psoriasis, but they're not one and the same. While psoriasis is a chronic skin condition, PsA typically manifests as joint pain. Nearly a third of psoriasis sufferers might develop PsA, and it can come in five distinct types. Let's break it down and help you identify your type and potential treatments.

What are the 5 types of psoriatic arthritis?

PsA is a form of arthritis that affects approximately 20 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis. Here are the main types:

1. Asymmetric PsA
2. Symmetric PsA
3. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA
4. Spondylitis PsA
5. Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans

While there are several factors that can help identify which type you have, your doctor will consider all symptoms to make a medical diagnosis.

1. Asymmetric PsA

Asymmetric PsA is the most prevalent type, accounting for at least 60 percent of cases. It affects individuals joints rather than pairs, meaning you could have joint pain on one side with no impact on the other. This type is more common in men, as indicated by a 2019 study.

Recognizing Asymmetric PsA

Some common symptoms of asymmetric PsA 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 PsA

Symmetric PsA affects both sides of your body simultaneously and is more common in women. This type accounts for 15 to 61 percent of cases. It primarily affects the smaller joints of the feet or hands.

Identifying Symmetric PsA

Symmetric PsA symptoms are much like those of asymmetric PsA. However, this type tends to target smaller joints.

3. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA

About 10 percent of people with PsA have distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP) PsA. It primarily targets the joints near the tips of your toes and fingers, which can cause several nail-related problems.

Recognizing DIP PsA

Common DIP PsA symptoms include:

• Swollen fingers or toes
• Ligament or tendon pain
• Reduced range of motion
• Joint stiffness in your fingers or toes

Nail issues are also common:

• Pitting
• Crumbling
• White spots
• Discoloration
• Cracking
• Detachment

4. Spondylitis PsA

Around 7 to 32 percent of people with PsA have spondylitis PsA, or axial arthritis, which primarily targets the joints between your vertebrae.

Identifying Spondylitis PsA

Spondylitis PsA may cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in your neck and back, which can also affect your feet, hips, arms, legs, and hands.

5. Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans

PsA mutilans is a severe form of PsA that affects about 5 percent of people with PsA. It typically causes aggressive pain in the hands, feet, or wrists, and can result in visible deformities and joint damage.

Recognizing PsA Mutilans

PsA mutilans can lead to extreme inflammation, joint damage, deformities, and reduced range of motion.

Treating PsA

PsA doesn't have a cure, but certain treatments can help manage symptoms and reduce discomfort. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best approach based on your specific symptoms and lifestyle factors. Potential treatment options include:

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Oral corticosteroids (like prednisone)
• Biologic drugs (like adalimumab or etanercept)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin or ibuprofen
• Intra-articular joint injections (like hyaluronic acid or cortisone)

Some at-home remedies might provide temporary relief:

• Cold therapy: C[...]l an ice pack on the affected area for up to 10 minutes to alleviate inflammation
• Nail care: Avoid cutting cuticles, using nail polish, and keep nails moisturized with creams and oils to prevent irritation
• Soaking it up: Pamper your hands or feet with a relaxing bath, but keep the soak short to avoid drying out your skin
• Keep your hands and feet dry: Dry off gently after showers and opt for sweat-wicking socks to pull moisture from the skin

1. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a medical-condition linked to psoriasis, but it primarily manifests as chronic-diseases affecting the joints, with approximately 20 to 30 percent of psoriasis sufferers developing it.
2. One of the five types of PsA is Asymmetric PsA, the most prevalent, accounting for at least 60 percent of cases. It affects individuals' joints rather than pairs and is more common in men.
3. Asymmetric PsA symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, swollen fingers or toes, pitting or cracking nails, swollen, tender, stiff, or painful joints, and swollen or painful ligaments or tendons.
4. Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans, a severe form of PsA, affects about 5 percent of people with PsA and causes aggressive pain in the hands, feet, or wrists, leading to visible deformities, joint damage, and reduced range of motion.
5. In addition to medical treatments like physical therapy, oral corticosteroids, biologic drugs, NSAIDs, and intra-articular joint injections, maintaining skin-care routines such as avoiding nail cutting, using nail creams and oils, and keeping hands and feet dry can help manage PsA symptoms.
6. Psoriatic arthritis is a neurological-disorder that can lead to health-and-wellness challenges, but with accurate diagnosis, effective treatments, and a focus on fitness-and-exercise, skin-care, and overall healthy living, it is possible to manage the condition and improve quality of life.

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