According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, “up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis (PA), an inflammatory form of arthritis.”
The cause is unknown, but researchers believe that this form of arthritis may be caused by genes or triggered by an infection or outside factor, such as extreme stress or an injury. Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include joint pain and stiffness, skin rashes, nail changes, fatigue, eye problems, and swelling and tenderness in hands and feet.
Diagnosis can be difficult because the symptoms of PA as similar to other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout and osteoarthritis.
During the month of August, take some time to learn more about psoriatic arthritis and raise awareness.
Resources
About Psoriatic Arthritis – National Psoriasis Foundation
11 Things to Know About Psoriatic Arthritis – Arthritis Foundation
Diseases and Conditions: Psoriatic Arthritis – Mayo Clinic
Living with Psoriatic Arthritis – Spondylitis Association of America
Psoriatic Arthritis – American Coloege of Rheumatology
Psoriatic Arthritis – MedlinePlus – US National Library of Medicine
Psoriatic Arthritis Self-Care Tips – Arthritis Foundation