Psoriatic arthritis is a particular type of inflammatory arthritis that affects roughly twenty percent of those suffering from the chronic skin condition called Psoriasis.Just like the name sounds, psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis. This rather common skin condition is characterized by redness, swelling, inflammation and scaly patches all along the skin.

Psoriatic arthritis is also an autoimmune disease. This means that the disease causes the cells and antibodies to attack healthy tissues. In general, a person with this arthritis disorder will manifest the symptoms of psoriasis.

While psoriatic arthritis strikes those with regular psoriasis of the skin, it is not a common condition. This will, of course, be a relief to the many people who suffer from the skin condition.

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms usually involve joint stiffness which is worse early in the morning. At times, it may involve the joints of the body symmetrically just like rheumatoid arthritis. Other psoriatic arthritis symptoms include inflammation of the spine as well as the sacrum, stiffness in the buttocks, lower back, neck and upper back.

In some, swelling at the tips of digits creates an almost sausage-like appearance. Many people suffering from this type of arthritis feel pain in their lower back, as well as buttocks, accompanied with grey, scaly areas on the scalp, elbows and knees.

There are still a lot of question marks surrounding psoriatic arthritis. There is no real explantation as to its cause. There has been much speculation as to what causes this disease. But nothing definite has been determined and studies continue to be conducted to see if a sure cause can be uncovered.

In studying those who have psoriatic arthritis it has been noted that there are other genes that are commonly present and that are suspect to be a contributor to the disease.

Every individual case of psoriatic arthritis is unique. Some people have already been experiencing skin problems related to psoriasis and then begin to notice symptoms of psoriatic arthritis; they should visit their doctor as soon as possible to start treating the disease.

Both men and women can contract psoriatic arthritis; there is no bias on the part of the disease. When the known symptoms of psoriatic arthritis such as joint pain and joint swelling are seen, a doctor may be able to diagnose it.

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be done by a doctor after they have conducted a physical examination that could involve taking x-rays and doing blood tests.

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis does not include its cure but only prevention of further damage from inflammation and pain relief. Soaking in warm water or warm baths, may give relief along with other heat applications.

Here is some psoriatic arthritis treatments. Please make sure and discuss these options with your health care provider.

Nutritional supplements
Herbal treatments
Diet
Exercise
Acupuncture
Topical applications: creams and lotions
Heat/cold compression

Splinting - it is also recommended as a psoriatic arthritis treatment to help inflammation or problems with joint alignments and stability. It can help minimize joint destruction that is often seen with the progression of this disease.

The exact methods to treat this condition will depend on the specific case at hand. Some patients will require very little medical assistance, but others might find symptoms so severe that drug regimens will become necessary.

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