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Psoriatic Arthritis: More than joint pain

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Early care for psoriatic arthritis can help prevent permanent joint damage and can keep you active and pain-free.

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Psoriatic arthritis often runs in families, affecting about 4 out of 10 people who have relatives with the condition or psoriasis. It causes joint pain and swelling throughout the body and can lead to other health problems like tendonitis, diabetes, or heart disease.

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PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

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Recognizing what psoriatic arthritis feels like

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Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritis that some people get, especially those who have a skin condition called psoriasis, which causes dry, itchy patches. It's an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system attacks healthy joints by mistake. This can lead to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. It can also cause the skin to make too many cells, which leads to psoriasis patches.

Psoriatic arthritis usually starts in adults between the ages of 35 and 55. It may begin after someone has had psoriasis for a while, or it can start at the same time as the skin problems. While most people with psoriatic arthritis also have psoriasis, not everyone does.

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Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are similar to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They both can cause painful, swollen joints that are warm to the touch. Common other symptoms include:
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  • Swollen fingers and toes
  • Foot pain
  • Lower back pain
  • Changes in your nails
  • Inflammation in eyes
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Experiencing symptoms? See a doctor.

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If you don't have a doctor, the Arthritis Foundation has a Find a Doctor tool that connects people living with arthritis to trusted healthcare providers.
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PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS RISK FACTORS

Certain factors can put you at a higher risk

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If you don't fall into any of these categories but are experiencing symptoms, talk to a doctor. There may be additional risk factors.
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Family history: if a family member has psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis

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Genetics: certain genes linked to the immune system may raise your risk

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Having psoriasis: about 5-10% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis

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Environmental triggers: things like infections, strep throats, and other stressors can affect your immune system

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“Psoriasis is a visible battle, but PsA can feel like an unseen war...That’s a war that I’m finally able to fight because I reached out for help.”
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DIAGNOSING PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis starts with a visit to the doctor

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If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your primary care doctor might recommend you see a specialist called a rheumatologist, who treats joint and muscle problems. Getting diagnosed early can help protect your joints, but it may take a few visits since there’s no single test for psoriatic arthritis.
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STEP 1
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Talk with your doctor

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Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, ask about your health and family history, and do a physical exam.
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STEP 2
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Additional tests, if needed

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To get to a diagnosis, your doctor may order blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds and/or MRI scans
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STEP 3
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See a rheumatologist

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Your primary doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specializes in arthritis and other conditions that impact bones, muscles, and joints.
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Treatment and trials

Living well with psoriatic arthritis

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Psoriatic arthritis can be treated in different ways to help you feel better and protect your joints. Even though there’s no cure, working with your doctor can help you find a plan that works for you.

Common treatment options include:

  • NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to help with pain and swelling
  • DMARDs, which stands for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, can slow down the disease and prevent joint damage

Lifestyle changes, like gentle exercise, rest breaks, and staying at a healthy weight can help with symptoms.

Lilly also offers an FDA-approved treatment for psoriatic arthritis. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

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Help us redefine what's possible

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Find a clinical trial or take a questionnaire to find trials that may be a good fit for you or a loved one.
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WELL-BEING

Health is more than a prescription

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Taking your medicine is important and so is taking care of your overall health. That's why Lilly's well-being library has science-backed resources on sleep, food, movement, connection, and stress management for those living with an autoimmune condition.
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