By Dr. Peter Klapper Ph.D.
Last updated July 28, 2026
Psoriatic arthritis is a serious medical condition. It can happen to you. It can happen to someone you love. In the United States alone, there are at least one million documented cases of this condition. Out of every 10 people with psoriasis, opens in a new tab, three will have psoriatic arthritis. This condition is an affliction on two fronts — the skin and the joints, opens in a new tab. For this reason, it can be both disfiguring and debilitating. To understand more about psoriasis itself, I would encourage you to read Understanding Psoriasis: Symptoms, Triggers, and Treatment.
May is psoriatic arthritis awareness month. During this time of the year, we owe it to ourselves and the ones we love to familiarize ourselves with this condition. Learn more about what psoriatic arthritis is and how to spot it.
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of inflammatory arthritis. The condition manifests itself as pain along certain joints due to severe inflammation. The most commonly affected areas are the toes, fingers, and knees. It occurs as a result of skin psoriasis, opens in a new tab, a condition that leads to a skin rash and itching on the scalp and elbows. If you're experiencing scalp issues, our article on Scalp Psoriasis: Home Remedies and Tips for Relief may provide helpful information.
The cause of psoriatic arthritis remains unknown. Research shows that it manifests in roughly 30% of psoriasis sufferers. The prevalence is equal in both men and women. Psoriatic arthritis generally manifests during middle age (30 to 50 years old).
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?
The signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis mimic those of rheumatoid arthritis, opens in a new tab. Often, physicians give a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis after confirming the presence of skin psoriasis. First, physicians tend to look for symptoms of skin psoriasis. The symptoms of psoriasis include:
- A skin rash on the elbows and scalp
- Skin flaking
- Itching
- Skin dryness on the elbows and scalp
These symptoms along with a health history can confirm the presence of psoriasis. Upon confirmation, the physician can assess for signs of arthritis.
The signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
- Morning stiffness
- Joint pain
- Swelling on the limbs and lower back
- Small dents in nails or nail beds
- Inflamed fingers or toes
In more severe cases, the following will also be present:
- Physical deformity of the hands and feet
- Tendonitis
- Fatigue
The signs and symptoms of psoriasis and arthritis together are the definitive indicators of psoriatic arthritis.
Is There a Cure for Psoriatic Arthritis?
No, there is currently no known cure for this inflammatory condition. Available treatment pathways for psoriatic arthritis, opens in a new tab are palliative in nature, meaning they aim to reduce discomfort and symptoms.
Management options typically include:
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen
- Immunosuppressing medications or agents
- Natural symptom management options, including homeopathic medicines
- Lifestyle changes
Forces of Nature Psoriasis Relief blends homeopathic Hydrocotyle Asiatica (Pennywort), Natrum Muriaticum (Sodium Choloride), and Equisetum Arvense (Horsetail) to provide a topical remedy for the itching, scaling, and redness of psoriasis-related dry skin patches. Consistent use of this certified organic, all natural formula can visibly improve skin appearance and give you more control over the symptoms.
Psoriatic arthritis never truly goes away. Instead, there are times of severity and remission. To explore natural treatment options, you might be interested in our Top 10 Homeopathic Ingredients for Psoriasis. Additionally, understanding the autoimmune connection can be insightful; read Unraveling the Mystery: Plaque Psoriasis and its Autoimmune Connection.
Final Thoughts on Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic arthritis can be a frustrating and embarrassing condition. Talk honestly to your doctor about your symptoms. Keeping a journal of potential environmental or food triggers can be helpful to determining if there is a cause within your lifestyle. Psoriatic arthritis may not be curable, however there are a wide variety of options for managing symptoms and working to prevent flare-ups.
Dr. Peter Klapper, Ph.D., founded Forces of Nature® in 1999 to make natural healing simple, safe, and truly effective. With a Ph.D. in Biology from Kiev University and deep passion for holistic wellness, he led the company to become the first to offer USDA Certified Organic homeopathic medicines. Dr. Klapper believes healing should be healthy for both people and the planet. Every product is crafted with care in California, using only pure, certified organic ingredients. Today, his mission to heal the world naturally continues to inspire everything Forces of Nature does.
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purpose only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.
Original Publish Date: October 1, 2019, at 2:21 PM PDT
