Both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can cause severe and chronic joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, making it difficult for people to carry out everyday activities. The characteristics, symptoms, and treatments for each can be quite different.
RA is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the joints causing inflammation, swelling, and pain. PsA is a form of arthritis caused by an overactive immune system where the body mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, causing red, scaly patches of skin.
The symptoms and treatments for each of these illnesses can be quite different. RA is more likely to affect multiple joints at once, while PsA can cause inflammation, tenderness, and stiffness in single joints.
Additionally, the treatment strategies for both are quite different. RA is often treated with medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and disease-modifying drugs.
PsA is usually managed with NSAIDs, biologic drugs, and light therapy.
There’s no definitive answer as to which of these diseases is “worse. ” This is because both illnesses can cause severe disability, and the severity of the condition can differ significantly from person to person.
What’s important is that each individual speaks with their doctor about their symptoms and treatment options in order to make an informed decision about the best way to manage their condition.
What are the major differences between psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both inflammatory types of arthritis that affect millions of people worldwide. However, there are several key differences between the two.
First and foremost, psoriatic arthritis is linked to psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder that causes patchy, discolored skin to form. Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, is not associated with any skin condition.
Another major difference between the two is the inflammation process; in rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation is symmetrical and affects the same joints on both the left and right sides of the body, whereas in psoriatic arthritis the inflammation is asymmetrical and affects different joints on either side of the body.
Additionally, the type of joint damage caused by psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis is also different. In psoriatic arthritis, the inflammation causes soft-tissue swelling and deformity of the joints, often resulting in a “sausage-like” appearance.
In rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation causes erosive joint damage — meaning the joint cartilage and bones break down over time.
Finally, psoriatic arthritis typically affects smaller joints — such as the hands, toes, or wrists — whereas rheumatoid arthritis often affects larger joints — such as the hips, knees, and shoulders.
In summary, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two closely related diseases, but they differ in the way they affect the body and the type of joint damage they cause. They also differ in how they are associated with skin conditions and which sizes of joints they affect.
What makes psoriatic arthritis different?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that affects people who have psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder characterized by itchy, scaly patches on the skin. Unlike other types of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis occurs due to a malfunction in the body’s immune system, which causes inflammation of the joints, tendons, and ligaments.
It usually affects the end joints of fingers and toes and is usually accompanied by stiffness and pain.
Psoriatic arthritis makes it difficult for people to engage in normal daily activities such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs. As with most forms of arthritis, psoriatic arthritis can also cause fatigue, stiffness in the morning, and a decreased range of motion.
Other signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include swollen fingers and toes, pitted nails, swollen lymph nodes and a rash in the form of scaly, raised patches called psoriasis.
The cause behind psoriatic arthritis is different than other forms of arthritis, as psoriatic arthritis is associated with an abnormality in the immune system, whereas other types of arthritis can be caused by age, injury or infection.
Unlike other forms of arthritis, it does not usually respond well to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Treatment may include a combination of exercise, lifestyle changes, medications, physical therapy, and/or surgery.
What are the six signs of psoriatic arthritis?
The six signs of psoriatic arthritis are:
1. Joint pain and swelling: Psoriatic arthritis often causes inflammation in joints, which can result in tenderness, stiffness, pain, and swelling.
2. Enthesitis: Enthesitis is a form of inflammation that affects areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bones. It commonly occurs in the heel, foot, and lower spine.
3. Dactylitis: Dactylitis, or “sausage digits,” is a type of swelling in hands or feet that affect the entire digit (finger or toe).
4. Nail changes: Psoriatic arthritis can cause pitting, discolouration, and ridging of fingernails and toenails.
5. Eye inflammation: Psoriatic arthritis can lead to inflammation of the iris, which is often accompanied by headaches, fever, eye pain, and blurred vision.
6. Skin changes: People with psoriatic arthritis may experience psoriasis, a common skin condition that includes red, itchy, and scaly patches of skin.
How do you confirm psoriatic arthritis?
Confirming a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis requires a physical exam with the consideration of a person’s medical history and lab tests. The physical exam can reveal swelling and tenderness in the joints, as well as changes in the nails and a type of rash that is specific for psoriasis.
Lab tests such as blood tests and x-rays can be helpful in differentiating psoriatic arthritis from other kinds of arthritis. Additional tests that may be performed include analysis of joint fluid, MRI scans, ultrasound, and/or an ultrasound-guided needle biopsy.
In some cases, where it is difficult to make an accurate diagnosis, a skin biopsy or genetic testing may be recommended. The doctor also may discuss any family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis or other related conditions with the patient.
Lastly, a rheumatologist may take further steps to rule out other forms of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthropathy and gout.
Does psoriatic arthritis show up in blood work?
Yes, psoriatic arthritis can show up in blood work. Testing for the condition typically involves a physical exam, lab tests, and imaging scans. Blood tests are commonly used to look for indicators of inflammation, as psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis.
In particular, a doctor may order tests to check levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Having high levels of these factors in the blood can be a sign of inflammation.
Additionally, a doctor may order antinuclear antibody (ANA) tests, which can indicate an autoimmune response, as psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition. Finally, a doctor may order a rheumatoid factor (RF) test, as people with psoriatic arthritis often have higher levels of this protein.
Altogether, these tests can help a doctor make an accurate diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.
Will psoriatic arthritis cripple me?
No, psoriatic arthritis will not necessarily cripple you. While the disease can lead to deformities, disabilities, and physical limitations, there are a variety of treatments available to keep the disease under control—with the right lifestyle modifications, medications, and support, you’ll have the best chance of living a healthy life with manageable symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
It’s important to talk to your doctor about the best treatment plan for you, as there may be a variety of options that can help you manage your condition successfully and prevent future joint damage.
Additionally, it can be helpful to participate in physical therapy, exercise, and receive adequate rest so to reduce the stress on your joints. With proper care and proper management of pain and inflammation, you may be able to prevent the disabling effects of psoriatic arthritis.
Can psoriatic arthritis make you unable to walk?
Yes, psoriatic arthritis can make you unable to walk. Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that affects the joints and connective tissues. It can lead to severe joint damage, deformity, and disability.
For those with severe psoriatic arthritis, the pain, swelling, and stiffness of the joints can cause difficulty walking or even make it impossible. Daily activities like getting dressed, showering, and walking, become difficult or even painful.
Severe joint damage can lead to disability and immobility, meaning that walking is no longer possible. Fortunately, there are treatments available, such as medications, physical and occupational therapy, and even surgery, that can help manage the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and reduce swelling and joint damage, helping to restore mobility and reduce the possibility of becoming unable to walk.
How long does it take to become disabled with psoriatic arthritis?
It is difficult to provide an exact answer to this question, as it depends heavily on the individual’s overall health and severity of the joint disease. Generally, people with psoriatic arthritis can become disabled within a few years of the onset of symptoms, though this varies widely.
If a person experiences a flare-up, disability can occur in as little as a few weeks or months. Factors that could contribute to the development of disability include the intensity and duration of flare-ups, the number of joints affected, joint damage, and the presence of additional medical conditions.
It is therefore important to work closely with a physician to create an individualized treatment plan to slow disease progression and reduce disability.
Is it hard to work with psoriatic arthritis?
Yes, working with psoriatic arthritis can be difficult. People who have psoriatic arthritis (PsA) often experience swelling and pain in their joints, which can make performing basic work-related tasks, such as typing or lifting, more challenging.
Additionally, those with PsA can suffer from fatigue, which can further decrease the ability of performing basic job duties. Depending on the severity of PsA, individuals may have to adjust their work schedule, work more slowly, or take frequent breaks in order to do their job successfully with PsA.
Unfortunately, many employers are not familiar with the challenges that come with PsA and may be unwilling to accommodate these needs. It is important for an individual to advocate for themselves and inform their employer of their condition.
There are also certain treatments and medicines that can help alleviate the symptoms associated with PsA, which can make managing this condition while at work more manageable.