Psoriatic arthritis - Diagnosis & treatment

  Category: Orthopedic      Date: 08-08-2023  

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that belongs to the family of autoimmune diseases. It is closely associated with psoriasis, a skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin's surface. Psoriatic arthritis typically affects individuals who already have psoriasis, but not everyone with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.

No cure prevails for psoriatic arthritis. You must have to go for the treatment that involves regulating inflammation in your impacted joints to avoid disability and joint pain. One of the most common treatments suggested by the best Arthritis treatment doctor in Patna are prescription medications known as disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Remember that single test is not available to diagnose your psoriatic arthritis condition. Your arthritis treatment doctor carries out diagnosis based on your physical exam, medical history, X-rays of the affected area of joints, and blood tests. They thoroughly examine your joins for tenderness or swelling, check fingernails for flaking/pitting/other abnormalities, or may also press on your feet’s sole and near your heels to check for affected areas. Moreover, they may ask you to change medications over time to avoid disease progression.

Key features of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can lead to reduced joint mobility and function. The condition can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly involves the joints of the fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and spine. In some cases, it can also lead to inflammation of the tendons and surrounding tissues (enthesitis) or inflammation of the digits, causing a condition called dactylitis or "sausage digits." If you are suffering from this kind of inflammation, you must seek Arthritis treatment in Patna without delay.

Like other autoimmune diseases, the exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is not fully understood. However, it is believed to be a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that lead to an overactive immune response attacking healthy joint tissues.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary in severity and may come and go in flares. During active periods, the inflammation and pain can be quite debilitating, while periods of remission may provide temporary relief.

Diagnosis of Psoriatic Arthritis: Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be challenging as it shares symptoms with other types of arthritis. It typically requires a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various tests to confirm the diagnosis. Here's how psoriatic arthritis is usually diagnosed:

1. Medical history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and whether you have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
2. Physical examination: The doctor will examine your joints, skin, and nails for signs of psoriasis or inflammation. This preliminary step helps them carry out accurate Joint pain treatment.
3. Imaging tests: X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds may be ordered to visualize the joints and check for signs of inflammation, joint damage, or swelling.
4. Blood tests: While there is no specific test for psoriatic arthritis, blood tests can help rule out other types of arthritis and autoimmune conditions. Some markers, like rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, are usually negative in psoriatic arthritis.
5. Skin biopsy: If psoriasis is not apparent or you have only mild skin symptoms, a skin biopsy may be performed to confirm the presence of psoriasis.

Treatment of Psoriatic Arthritis: The treatment of psoriatic arthritis aims to control inflammation, manage symptoms, prevent joint damage, and improve overall quality of life. Treatment plans are often tailored to each individual based on the severity of the condition and their specific needs. Here are common treatment approaches you can avail from the best Orthopedic Doctor in Patna:

1. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications help reduce pain and inflammation and are often the first-line treatment for mild to moderate psoriatic arthritis.
2. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs, such as methotrexate or sulfasalazine, are used to slow down the progression of psoriatic arthritis and prevent joint damage.
3. Biologic therapies: These are a newer class of medications that target specific molecules in the immune system responsible for inflammation. Biologics have shown to be highly effective in controlling psoriatic arthritis in many patients.
4. Corticosteroids: Short-term use of corticosteroid injections may be recommended for targeted relief of severe joint inflammation.
5. Physical therapy: Exercises and physical therapy can help improve joint function, reduce stiffness, and strengthen muscles around the affected joints.
6. Lifestyle modifications: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management, can have positive effects on psoriatic arthritis.
7. Topical treatments: For psoriasis skin symptoms, topical treatments like creams and ointments containing corticosteroids or vitamin D analogs can be used.

It's crucial to work closely with an experienced rheumatologist or an orthopedic doctor from Ortho hospital in Patna Bihar to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Early diagnosis and proper management can help prevent joint damage and improve long-term outcomes. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor the progress of the disease and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

When it comes to Psoriatic Arthritis, both males and females are equally at risk. Children diagnosed with this condition are at risk of having uveitis. If you face signs like skin patches, new or worsening Psoriasis symptoms, or symptoms that are unresponsive to therapy then you must seek immediate treatment at an ortho hospital. Properly explaining your affected joints, treatments you already tried, and activities that worsened this condition can help your orthopedic doctor effectively conduct treatment. Based on the early signs of psoriatic arthritis in hands, the timely and accurate diagnosis of this condition is inevitable since it impacts nearly 15% of individuals who have psoriasis.

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