Psoriatic Arthritis

Key facts

• Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that affects roughly one in three people who have psoriasis, attacking joints and tendons as well as the skin.
• Typical signs are swollen warm joints, morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes, dactylitis (a whole finger or toe swollen like a sausage), and enthesitis (tendon-insertion pain, often at the heel).
• Controlling inflammation early with disease-modifying drugs such as leflunomide helps prevent permanent joint damage; autoimmune support options including biologics are added when needed.
• A rheumatologist should guide treatment, since the right choice depends on which joints are affected and how severe the skin disease is.

What the condition looks and feels like

Joints become swollen and warm, and stiffness is worst in the morning. Some people develop dactylitis, where a whole finger or toe swells, or enthesitis, pain where tendons attach to bone. Nail pitting and skin flares often track alongside joint flares, though not always in step. The pattern varies: some people have asymmetric joint involvement, while others develop a symmetrical pattern resembling rheumatoid arthritis.

Slowing joint damage

Bringing inflammation under control early is what protects the joints long term. Disease-modifying treatment with agents such as leflunomide reduces both joint inflammation and some skin symptoms. Broader autoimmune support options, including biologics that target specific immune pathways, are used when conventional therapy is not enough.

When to see a doctor

See a rheumatologist if psoriasis is joined by persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness, since early treatment changes the long-term outlook. Sudden severe joint swelling with fever needs prompt review to rule out infection.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.