Conditions

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory disease occurring in people with psoriasis or a family history of it. It can affect peripheral joints, the spine, entheses and digits.

Features

Arthritis with variable distribution, dactylitis (“sausage digit”), enthesitis such as heel pain, inflammatory back pain and nail involvement.

Diagnosis

Clinical, supported by imaging. Ultrasound helps detect synovitis and enthesitis.

Treatment

Tailored to the domains involved: conventional DMARDs, biologics or targeted drugs, coordinated with Dermatology where needed.

Related content

A hot, very painful and swollen joint, especially with fever, requires urgent medical attention.