What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

By M. XavierMost people aren't aware of the fact that there are over onehundred different kinds of arthritis, and each one comes withits own unique set of symptoms. One of the lesser known formsor arthritis is called psoriatic arthritis. This type ofarthritis is associated with psoriasis, a skin condition thatis evidenced by red, raised or patchy areas of skin as well asthe classic joint pain symptoms that are common to just aboutall forms of arthritis. While this type of arthritis usually doesn't develop before the30s, it has been known to afflict all age groups, up until theage of 50 or so. The condition is not gender specific, althoughit may be considered hereditary, as parents or siblings with thedisease show a high rate of development in family members. Knowing and understanding the signs of psoriatic arthritis arean important first step toward finding adequate treatmentmeasures, for both the psoriasis and the arthritis. This may beeasier said than done however, as many people experiencedifferent symptoms, at different rates, and flare-upoccurrences typically delay treatment. Many people go for years without being diagnosed with psoriaticarthritis because the symptoms can come and go. Only recentlyhas the disease been recognized as both progressive and withthe ability to worsen from mild to severe forms. In some,chronic pain and inflammation of joints offers early detectionof the disease, but its similarity with several other types ofarthritis often make diagnosis difficult. Psoriatic arthritis is considered an arthritis that will affectthe spine, and may also mirror the signs and symptoms ofrheumatoid arthritis. Most often, pain and swelling is noticedin the wrists, knees and ankles, as well as fingers and toes. In some, swelling at the tips of digits creates an almostsausage-like appearance. Many people suffering from this typeof arthritis feel pain in their lower back, as well asbuttocks, accompanied with grey, scaly areas on the scalp,elbows and knees. Five types of psoriatic arthritis exist, which may oftenoverlap in one individual. Determining what you are sufferingfrom takes the expertise of a physician, and more often thannot, patients are referred to a rheumatologist. Only an expertwill be able to tell you whether you suffer from one type oranother. Some forms of this disease occur on one side of the body only,while others develop on both sides. Other forms of this type ofarthritis can affect the spine, while another form, ArthritisMulitans Type Psoriatic Arthritis, while rare, can be severe aswell as disabling. If you feel that you might be suffering from any form ofarthritis, keep a list of your symptoms, when they occur, aswell as how long you have been feeling pain or have noticedwarmth or swelling in your joints. While there is no cure forarthritis, with a proper treatment plan and perhaps evenmedications, most people diagnosed with psoriatic arthritislead otherwise normal, healthy lifestyles.About the Author: For more information on arthritis, tryvisiting http://www.easyarthritistips.com a website thatspecializes in providing arthritis related tips, advice andresources to include information on psoriatic arthritis.Source: http://www.isnare.com