Psoriatic Arthritis Specialist
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Rheumatology of Central Indiana
Rheumatology located in Muncie, IN & Richmond, IN
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic type of arthritis that causes joint pain and inflammation. Though it occurs in people with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition, you don’t have to have psoriasis to develop psoriatic arthritis. Rheumatology of Central Indiana uses medical expertise and cutting-edge technology to diagnose conditions like psoriatic arthritis. To find the underlying cause of your joint pain, call the office in Muncie, Richmond, New Castle, Greensburg, Shelbyville, or Marion, Indiana, or click the online booking button today.
Psoriatic Arthritis Q & A
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a joint condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, and swelling. Though it’s common in people with psoriasis, which is an autoimmune disorder that triggers an overproduction of skin cells, anyone can develop psoriatic arthritis.
The chronic arthritic condition occurs when the immune system attacks the connective tissue in your joints, causing inflammation, swelling, pain, and joint damage. You may be at risk of developing psoriatic arthritis if you have psoriasis or a family history of psoriatic arthritis.
What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
With psoriatic arthritis, your joints may be tender, swollen, and warm to the touch. These symptoms are similar to those that occur in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
However, with psoriatic arthritis, you’re more likely to have swelling in your fingers and toes, foot pain, or lower back pain, which helps distinguish the joint condition from rheumatoid arthritis.
Like other types of arthritis, your psoriatic arthritis symptoms may come and go but worsen over time.
How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?
Rheumatology of Central Indiana conducts comprehensive evaluations to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. When you come in with concerns about joint pain, your provider asks detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, and family history.
They also conduct a physical exam, paying close attention to the joints causing your symptoms. Your provider also examines your skin and nails, looking for signs of psoriasis, such as a rash or pitting in your nails.
There’s no single test to diagnose psoriatic arthritis, and your provider may run bloodwork to rule out other types of arthritis that might explain your symptoms.
They might also request X-rays or an MRI to assess the severity of your joint damage.
How is psoriatic arthritis treated?
Rheumatology of Central Indiana takes a patient-centered approach to care, customizing your psoriatic arthritis treatment plan based on the severity of your symptoms and your preferences.
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Physical therapy
- Immunosuppressants
- Biologic agents
- Joint injections
If you have severe joint damage, your provider at Rheumatology of Central Indiana may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon to discuss joint replacement.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that may lead to permanent joint damage when left untreated. Call Rheumatology of Central Indiana or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool today.