ARTHRITIS pain symptoms include inflammation, restricted movement, and joint stiffness. But, these are the warning signs for psoriatic arthritis – a type of arthritis that may develop if you have the skin condition psoriasis.
Arthritis pain affects about 10 million people in the UK, according to the NHS.
There are many different types of the condition, with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis being the most common in the UK.
Psoriatic arthritis may develop in people with the skin condition psoriasis.
It’s a long-term condition that can get progressively worse.
In some cases, joints may become permanently damaged or deformed.
Psoriatic arthritis signs can include joint pain and stiffness, swollen fingers or toes, back pain or a pain in the buttocks, said Arthritis Research UK.
A discolouration and thickening of the nails may also be a sign of the condition.
If you suffer from inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the bone, you could also have a pain or swelling in your heels.
Psoriatic arthritis can affect any of the 78 joints in the body, but some joints are more likely to affected.
About a quarter of all patients will have a pain or stiffness in their back or neck.
“The pain, swelling and stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the condition often affects the hands, feet, knees, neck, spine and elbows,” said the NHS.
“The severity of the condition can vary considerably from person to person.
“Some people may have severe problems affecting many joints, whereas others may only notice mild symptoms in one or two joints.
“See your GP if you experience persistent pain, swelling or stiffness in your joints – even if you haven’t been diagnosed with psoriasis
“If you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis, you should have check-ups at least once a year to monitor your condition.”
Up to 40 per cent of all psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis.
The condition usually rears it’s head within the 10 years of psoriasis’ first diagnosis.
It’s believed to be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy tissue.
If you have psoriatic arthritis, you’re more likely to develop life-threatening complications, including heart disease and strokes.
Maintaining a good balance between rest and exercise will help to reduce your symptoms.
Source:www.express.co.uk