Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis: Categorizing its Five Distinct Forms
Laid-Back Guide to Five Kinds of Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA): Know the Symptoms and Treatments
Wondering if that funky joint pain is more than just a sprain from last weekend's basketball game? It could be psoriatic arthritis (PsA) - a companion to the skin condition psoriasis. Here's the lowdown on five types of PsA, plus tips for handling each one.
PsA is a unique animal compared to generic arthritis. It saunters into the lives of about 20 to 30% of psoriasis sufferers. These five types are the most common:
- Asymmetric PsA (60% of cases) This type affects joints individually, not in pairs. So you might experience pain in your right wrist without your left boning up. You may also notice blurred vision and pit or crack your nails. Treatment options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and biologic drugs like adalimumab or etanercept.
- Symmetric PsA (15 to 61% of cases) With this type, symptoms appear on both sides of your body at the same time. It's more prevalent among ladies and tends to affect smaller joints in the hands or feet, rather than larger ones. A blood test may be necessary to rule out rheumatoid arthritis. Treatments are similar to asymmetric PsA.
- Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA (10% of cases) This form targets the joints near the tips of your toes and fingers. Symptoms may include swollen fingers or toes, reduced range of motion, and nail problems like pitting, crumbling, or discoloration. Treatment options include NSAIDs and cold therapy (for temporary relief).
- Spondylitis (Spondyloarthritis) PsA (7 to 32% of cases) This type focuses on the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing back pain and stiffness. It can also impact feet, hips, arms, legs, and hands. Management includes NSAIDs, physical therapy, immunosuppressants, and biologic medications like TNF inhibitors.
- PsA Mutilans (5% of cases) The rarest type, PsA mutilans causes severe pain in the hands, feet, or wrists. It triggers significant joint damage and may lead to deformities. Treatments include aggressive use of DMARDs, biologics, and the drug etanercept.
Early diagnosis and the right treatment plan are key to minimizing long-term joint damage and leading a comfy life with PsA. If you suspect you might have PsA, kick it to your doc pronto. They'll be able to help you figure out which type you're dealing with and get you on the path to relief.
- Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a companion to the skin condition psoriasis, can display joint pain that surpasses typical sprains, leading patients to question if they have PsA.
- Science has identified five primary types of PsA: Asymmetric, Symmetric, Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP), Spondylitis (Spondyloarthritis), and PsA Mutilans, each requiring different treatment approaches.
- Skin-care routines and health-and-wellness practices must be mindful when dealing with chronic diseases like PsA, as neurological disorders and other skin conditions may accompany the condition.
- Medical-conditions related to PsA, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can be ruled out with blood tests, which may be necessary in certain cases.
- Treatment options for PsA may vary from physical therapy, occupational therapy, biologic drugs, NSAIDs, cold therapy, immunosuppressants, TNF inhibitors, to aggressive use of DMARDs and the drug etanercept.
- Incorporating CBD oil into skincare routines has shown potential for managing psoriasis symptoms, although more scientific research is required to confirm its efficacy for PsA and related neurological disorders.
