Psoriatic Arthritis - Signs and Symptoms

Signs and Symptoms

Common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

• Pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints.
• Joints that are red or warm to the touch.
• Sausage-like swelling in the fingers or toes, known as dactylitis.
• Pain in and around the feet and ankles, especially tendinitis in the Achilles tendon or Plantar fasciitis in the sole of the foot.
• Changes to the nails, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed.
• Pain in the area of the Sacrum (the lower back, above the tailbone).

Along with the above noted pain and inflammation, there is extreme exhaustion that does not go away with adequate rest. The exhaustion may last for days or weeks without abatement. Psoriatic arthritis may remain mild, or may progress to more destructive joint disease. Periods of active disease, or flares, will typically alternate with periods of remission.

Because prolonged inflammation can lead to joint damage, early diagnosis and treatment to slow or prevent joint damage is recommended.