Psoriatic arthritis is a condition that is found in patients with the skin condition Psoriasis. Psoriasis causes moderate to extreme skin problems including red patches, itchiness and swelling. Roughly two percent of the population of white people has Psoriasis. Ten percent of that group forms another, more severe issue that causes inflammation in the joints as well as patches of skin.
The two combined are incredibly painful. Typically, people can develop Psoriasis at young ages and then develop arthritis in their forties and fifties. However, people with Psoriatic Arthritis do not just have Psoriasis and arthritis. Cases of Psoriatic arthritis are far more extreme and are rheumatic, systemic cases of arthritis.
Not only do the joints swell and ache with Psoriatic arthritis, an individual’s internal organs may swell, as well. Tissues may also swell. Swelling may occur in many tissues including a patient’s eyes, lung tissue and kidney. Regular arthritis usually occurs months or sometimes years before the Psoriatic arthritis becomes apparent.
Many who suffer from Psoriatic arthritis have issues with Achilles tendon and other inflamed tendon disorders. Those who suffer from Psoriatic arthritis endure very painful swelling of certain tissues. When a person’s eyes are affected, sunlight may have to be avoided at all costs or the patient may suffer serious permanent side effects.
Psoriatic arthritis is treated with a combination of therapies. Anti inflammatory medications are introduced to the patient with over the counter attempts first. Typically, these do not work and require prescription anti inflammatory medicines to be prescribed. Many patients are also treated with narcotic pain medication although that is discouraged by some physicians.
Patients with Psoriatic arthritis need to be under the close surveillance and supervision of their medical professional. Additional symptoms may occur that can cause heart failure and respiratory distress. When medications will not work, sometimes surgery is required.
Tags: achilles tendon, arthritis, heart, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, surgery, vision