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Introduction

It is a type of autoimmune disease associated with joints. An autoimmune condition refers to when our immune system fails to recognize our immune cells and tissue and attacks them to counter the effect.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic Arthritis is composed of two words Psoriasis and Arthritis. Psoriasis is a skin condition that leads to itchy, dry, and scaly skin. Arthritis is an autoimmune disease causing pain in joints and tendons.So, Psoriatic Arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by swollen and painful joints and scaly, dry, and red patches on the skin. It is mainly caused when the immune system attacks the healthy cells and disturbs the balance, leading to overproduction of skin cells and causing inflammation.

What Are The Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis may include the following

• Redness of eyes.
• Pain in the lower back.
• Stiffness in the lower back.
• Pain in eyes along with redness
• Morning sickness.
• Pain and swelling in joints.
• Restricted and reduced movement of affected joints
• Tenderness in affected joints.
• Nail separation from the nail bed
• Nail pitting.

What Are The Causes Of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Following factors can cause Psoriatic Arthritis:

• Autoimmune disorder: Psoriatic Arthritis is caused by an autoimmune disorder that means there is some defect in our immune system, and our immune system can't differentiate between healthy and unhealthy cells. So, as a result, it attacks the healthy cells that lead to inflammation in different body joints.
• External Factors:  External factors like several viral and bacterial infections may also trigger an autoimmune condition leading to Psoriatic Arthritis.
• Genetic Factors: A family history of Psoriatic Arthritis can also cause infection in offspring. It means it can be inherited in the family through genes.

How Does The Doctor Diagnose Psoriatic Arthritis?

Several tests are performed for the diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis. Some of the tests are:

Laboratory tests:

It includes tests performed in laboratories using very precise methodologies and equipment.

• Rheumatoid Factor (Rf): It is an antibody present in the person suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis but usually absent in person having Psoriatic Arthritis. This test is done just to differentiate between these two conditions so that the treatment can be started as soon as possible.
• Joint Fluid Test: In this,a small amount of fluid is withdrawn from the affected swollen joint and then tested for the level of uric acid into the fluid. A small needle is used to withdraw the fluid from the joint. This test is done to check if the person has either gout or Psoriatic Arthritis, or both. A person can have both Gout and Psoriatic Arthritis at the same time.

Imaging tests:

• MRI(Magnetic Resonance Imagining): As the name suggests, an image of soft and hard tissues is produced using radio waves and a strong magnetic field.It is used to find any problems in ligaments and tendons, especially those associated with muscles and tissues and bones.
• X-ray: X-rays are very helpful in understanding pinpoint changes that often occur in no Arthritis other than Psoriatic Arthritis.

What Are The Treatments For Psoriatic Arthritis?

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the most widely used drugs in this disease. Treatment is done based on the degree of infection to the person.

• Pain Killers: Pain killers like NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs) are seen as very effective in reducing the pain of Psoriatic Arthritis.
• Biological Response Modifier: These are the agents that modify the body's response in specific conditions. These agents can increase the risk of infection in a person.
• Oral Medication: Agents that reduce the activity of enzymes are also very helpful in the treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis. Apremilast is widely used as an oral medication for treating this. It acts as an anti-inflammatory agent in the body and reduces the pain and inflammation in joints.
• Injection: Steroids are injected directly into inflamed joints to reduce pain.
• Surgery: As a last option, knee replacement surgery is done. Replacement surgery is done on the joint that is affected.

What Are The Complications Of The Psoriatic Arthritis?

Following are the most commonly observed complications

• Obesity.
• Metabolic Syndrome.
• Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome.
• DMT-2 Diabetes Mellitus Type 2.
• Eye Health Issues; especially inflammation of the uvea.
• Conjunctivitis.

How To Prevent Psoriatic Arthritis?

Here are some home practices that must be followed to prevent an unwanted case of Psoriatic Arthritis.

• Stop Smoking: Smoking should be stopped with immediate effect to avoid such conditions because it may reduce the immunity of the body.
• Alcohol: Reduce alcohol intake as it may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment and may also show complications with other medications such as Methotrexate.
• Exercise: Start including exercise in your daily routine as it will boost up the immunity and help with the upgoing treatment.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a sufficient BMI is very useful. Reducing weight will put less strain on the joints, eventually relieving it.