Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term inflammatory disease that happens when your immune system attacks your joints and skin. But where the symptoms appear on your body depends on which of the five types of psoriatic arthritis you have. It’s possible to have more than one type, and your psoriatic arthritis pattern can change over time.
Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis
This is the most common type, and affects about half of people with the condition. It strikes matching pairs of joints. You may have it in both knees, hands, or feet, or left and right sides of your hips. Symmetric psoriatic arthritis may be mistaken for rheumatoid arthritis, another autoimmune disease that also affects both sides of the body equally.
Distal Psoriatic Arthritis
This type crops up in the tips of your fingers and toes. It’s sometimes confused with osteoarthritis, which usually happens in older people when the cushioning cartilage that keeps bones from rubbing against each other breaks down. Along with stiffness, pain, and swelling, distal psoriatic arthritis may change the way your nails look.
Arthritis Mutilans
This is the most severe and rarest type of psoriatic arthritis. Fewer than 1 in 20 people have this pattern. It damages the small joints and tissues in the ends of your hands and feet. It may shorten your fingers and toes because of bone loss in the joints. Sometimes, it can affect your neck and back.
Treatment and Management
No matter your type of psoriatic arthritis, the goal of therapy is to tame your inflammation, ease discomfort, and prevent joint damage and disability. Your doctor may recommend one of these medications or combinations of them based on how severe your condition is, where you have symptoms, and other things: If your joints are seriously damaged, your doctor may suggest joint replacement surgery.
Take care to protect your joints during everyday activities. For example, close your car door with your body, not just with your fingers. Or carry heavy bags with two hands instead of one.
Managing Psoriatic Arthritis at Michoes Medical Centre
At Michoes Medical Centre, our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and treatment plans for psoriatic arthritis. We offer a range of services, including medication management, physical therapy, and lifestyle advice to help you manage your symptoms.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our expert doctors. Call us at +256701364362 or visit us in person at Michoes Medical Centre, located in the heart of Kanyum, Kumi District.
Book a Consultation to learn more about psoriatic arthritis and how we can help you manage your symptoms.
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