Details on Psoriatic Arthritis Types: Outlining the Five Variations of Psoriatic Arthritis
Rewritten Article:
Greetings, mate! Got a chat about psoriatic arthritis (PsA) brewing? No worries, let's dive in. Here's the lowdown on the five main types, their symptoms, and treatments for each.
PsA is a form of arthritis that can affect up to 30% of peeps who have psoriasis. As much as it's related to psoriasis, they aren't the same thing. Psoriasis gives you red and scaling skin, while PsA is all about joint pain. Sometimes you might have both conditions, sometimes not.
Understanding the different types of PsA is essential for getting the right treatment. Here's a rundown on the five main types - check out the symptoms and treatment tips for each.
PsA Types and Treatments
PsA doesn't have a cure yet, but there are ways to manage the symptoms. Here's your roadmap to the five main types of PsA and potential treatments for each.
Asymmetric PsA
Asymmetric PsA is the most common type, accounting for at least 60% of cases. It affects your joints individually rather than in pairs. So you might experience pain in the joints of your right hand without your left one being affected. However, you'll still likely experience symptoms on both sides of your body at some point. In fact, a 2019 study reveals that this type is more common in men.
Common symptoms of asymmetric PsA include fatigue, blurred vision, swollen fingers or toes, pitting or cracking nails, joint swelling, tendon or ligament pain, and joint stiffness or pain.
Treatment options for asymmetric PsA include physical therapy, occupational therapy, oral corticosteroids, biologic drugs, NSAIDs, and intra-articular joint injections.
Symmetric PsA
Symmetric PsA represents about 15-61% of cases and affects smaller joints like those in your hands or feet. It's more common in women. Symptoms can resemble those of asymmetric PsA. Keep in mind that this type is sometimes confused with rheumatoid arthritis, but a simple blood test can help you know if you're dealing with rheumatoid arthritis or PsA.
Just like with asymmetric PsA, the ideal treatment plan for symmetric PsA can depend on factors like your overall health, age, weight, mobility, and pain level.
Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA
Delta, about 10% of people with PsA have DIP PsA. It targets the joints near the tips of your toes and fingers, and it may affect several joints at a time. Since it affects the nails, you might notice some changes like swollen fingers, ligament or tendon pain, reduced range of motion, joint stiffness, pitting or crumbling nails, discoloration, white spots, detaching nails, and nail cracking.
Potential treatments for DIP PsA may include NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, and TNF inhibitors to address inflammation and discomfort. For temporary relief, you can also try cold therapy, nail care (avoid trimming cuticles and applying nail polish), soaking your hands or feet, and keeping your hands and feet dry.
Spondylitis PsA
Approximately 7-32% of people with PsA have spondylitis PsA, also known as axial arthritis. This type primarily targets the joints between the spine's vertebrae, resulting in pain, stiffness, and swelling in the neck and back. However, these symptoms can also affect your feet, hips, arms, legs, and hands.
Spondylitis PsA treatments may include NSAIDs, physical therapy, occupational therapy, immunosuppressants, sulfasalazine, biologic medications, and DMARDs.
PsA Mutilans
PsA mutilans is a rare but severe form of PsA, affecting about 5% of people with PsA. This type typically causes severe pain, primarily in the hands, feet, or wrists. It can also lead to deformities, bone loss, reduced range of motion, and pain that radiates to other areas of the body.
Treatment for PsA mutilans may include anti-TNF inhibitors, DMARDs, biologic medications, and surgical interventions if necessary. A 2011 study found that the drug etanercept (Enbrel) might help restore joint function in some cases. Keep in mind, though, that more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
The Takeaway
Remember, psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of arthritis that can impact individuals differently based on their unique symptoms and lifestyle factors. Treatment plans focus on managing inflammation and pain while preventing joint damage. It's essential to consult with your doctor to develop a tailored treatment plan suited to your specific needs. Cheers!
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a form of arthritis related to psoriasis, distinct from the red and scaling skin condition, and is characterized by joint pain.
- Understanding the different types of PsA is crucial for getting the right treatment, with the most common type, asymmetric PsA, affecting joints individually rather than in pairs.
- Asymmetric PsA symptoms include fatigue, blurred vision, swollen fingers or toes, pitting or cracking nails, joint swelling, tendon or ligament pain, and joint stiffness or pain.
- Treatment options for asymmetric PsA include physical therapy, occupational therapy, oral corticosteroids, biologic drugs, NSAIDs, and intra-articular joint injections.
- Science is continually working to identify new medical-conditions treatments for chronic diseases like psoriatic arthritis, with a study in 2019 revealing that asymmetric PsA is more common in men.
- Proper skin-care can also help manage psoriasis symptoms, as the two conditions often coexist, and keeping the skin clean and moisturized may provide relief.
- It's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for advice on the treatment of psoriatic arthritis, as every individual's health-and-wellness needs are unique, and a tailored treatment plan is vital for managing the condition effectively.
