The Link Between Psoriasis and Arthritis: Exploring Psoriatic Arthritis

When you think of the condition, psoriasis, opens in a new tab, you most likely think of itchy, red, scaly patches on your skin. Do those same symptoms of skin inflammation remind you of arthritis, the disorder that causes inflammation and pain in the joints? Perhaps you didn't know that the two conditions coexist in a complex relationship known as psoriatic arthritis.

Currently, it is estimated that nearly 8 million people suffer from psoriasis in the U.S., opens in a new tab, and 30 percent, opens in a new tab of those individuals will develop psoriatic arthritis, a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects both the skin and joints.

What Are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are similar to arthritis in terms of joint pain, but keep in mind that it is first caused by psoriasis. Symptoms do differ from person-to-person, and many vary in severity. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms, opens in a new tab might include:

• Joint Pain and Stiffness: Pain, swelling and stiffness are prominent with this condition and can affect joints, opens in a new tab through the body including psoriatic hands, fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and spine. The pain is often worse in the mornings and after periods of inactivity.
  
  
• Skin Changes: As we discussed above, those suffering with psoriatic arthritis usually have psoriasis as well. This can result in red, scaly, and sometimes itchy patches of skin that may appear anywhere on the body, including the scalp and nails.
  
  
• Fatigue: Psoriatic arthritis causes chronic inflammation, and the body’s response can cause a person to become severely fatigued.
  
  
• Changes in the Nails, opens in a new tab: Those suffering with psoriatic arthritis nails may experience changes such as pitting (small dents), ridges, discoloration, and separation of the nail from the nail bed.
  
  
• Pain In the Eye: Psoriatic arthritis can cause inflammation in the eyes, resulting in redness, pain, and vision changes.

The Connection Between Psoriasis and Joint Inflammation

Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis share in common that they are autoimmune by nature. Unfortunately, both conditions involve the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells, leading to inflammation that creates various symptoms. For psoriasis that looks like the characteristic skin plaques, and with psoriatic arthritis, the immune system also attacks the joints.

Sadly, these two chronic conditions can overlap, making it challenging for the individual who is suffering.

Risk Factors for Developing Psoriatic Arthritis

As we discussed above, 30 percent of those suffering from psoriasis do end up with psoriatic arthritis as well. There are also certain risk factors that may increase the likelihood of psoriatic arthritis. Those include:

• Family History: Genetics do play a part. Those who have family members that have psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis are at greater risk.
  
  
• Obesity: Excess weight can increase the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis, and it can also worsen the severity of the disease in those who already have it.
  
  
• Smoking: Smoking has been known to increase your risk of psoriatic arthritis.
  
  
• Infections: Infections such as streptococcal throat infections may trigger the development of psoriatic arthritis in individuals with a genetic predisposition.
  
  
• Autoimmune Factors: Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, and individuals with other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, may have an increased risk of developing it.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Psoriatic arthritis can be tricky when finding a diagnosis since it mimics other forms of arthritis. However, early diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is crucial to prevent joint damage and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

This is why it’s important to consult with your doctor as soon as you experience symptoms. Once diagnosed, psoriatic treatment options include:

• Medication:  Psoriatic arthritis medicines include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic therapies are commonly prescribed.
  
  
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy aims to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, enhance muscle strength, and help you maintain a better quality of life.
  
  
• Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, incorporating exercise, avoiding smoking, and managing stress can have a positive impact on psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

Topical Natural Over-the-Counter Treatment Options: Specific homeopathic medicines, such as Pennywort, Arnica, and Northern White Cedar, have shown beneficial properties that can help to manage the symptoms of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. These remedies can be used in conjunction with other treatment protocols to supplement your pain and inflammation control:

• Forces of Nature Psoriasis Relief
• Forces of Nature Arniblend Pain Management for muscles and joints
  
  
  

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: August 18, 2023, at 3:00 AM PDT