Psoriatic Arthritis: More than joint pain

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QUICK LINKS
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Explore symptoms
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Learn about risk factors
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Psoriatic arthritis icon

Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce or prevent permanent joint damage3,6

Psoriatic arthritis affects about 1 in 4 people 1,2,6 who already have the skin condition psoriasis. It causes pain, swelling and stiffness in 1 or more joints4,6, and can lead to functional limitations and other extra-articular manifestations.6,8
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PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS SYMPTOMS

Recognising what psoriatic arthritis feels like

Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritis that some people get, especially those who have a skin condition called psoriasis, which causes dry patches.4 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 patches of red, flaky skin which is covered with silvery-like patches.2
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Psoriatic arthritis symptoms are similar to rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. They both can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in joints. Common other symptoms include:4,5
  • Swollen fingers or toes
  • Your nails changing from their usual colour, or tiny dents or pits developing in your nails
  • Feeling drained of energy
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PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS RISK FACTORS

Certain factors can put you at a higher risk

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 history7: if a family member has psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis

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Genetics7: certain genes linked to the immune system may raise your risk

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Having psoriasis: 1 in 4 people1,2,6 with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis

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Environmental triggers2: If you have genes that put you at risk of this condition, the following may then trigger it:

  • an infection
  • an accident or injury
  • being overweight
  • smoking
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DIAGNOSING PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis starts with a visit to the healthcare professional

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.
STEP 1
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Talk with your healthcare professional

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

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To get to a diagnosis, your healthcare professional may order blood tests, x-rays and scans6
STEP 3
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See a rheumatologist

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Your healthcare professional may refer you to a rheumatologist, a doctor who specialises in arthritis and other conditions that impact bones, muscles, and joints.
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TREATMENT OPTIONS

Living well with psoriatic arthritis

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 medication that can help with pain and swelling or slow down the disease and prevent joint damage.4

Lifestyle changes, like gentle exercise, rest breaks, and staying at a healthy weight can help with symptoms.4

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References

  1. Alinaghi F, Calov M, Kristensen LE, et al. Prevalence of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis: a systematic review and meta-analysis [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine; 2018 [accessed 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29928910/
  2. Arthritis UK. Psoriatic arthritis [Internet]. Chesterfield: Arthritis UK; [date unknown] [accessed 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.arthritis-uk.org/information-and-support/understanding-arthritis/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/
  3. Raychaudhuri SP, Wilken R, Sukhov AC, Raychaudhuri SK, Maverakis E. Management of psoriatic arthritis: Early diagnosis, monitoring of disease severity and cutting edge therapies. J Autoimmun. 2017 Jan;76:21-37. From: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0896841116302839
  4. National Health Service (NHS). Psoriatic arthritis [Internet]. London: NHS; [date unknown] [accessed 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/
  5. National Health Service (NHS). Rheumatoid arthritis: symptoms [Internet]. London: NHS; [date unknown] [accessed 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/symptoms/
  6. NHS inform. Psoriatic arthritis [Internet]. Scotland: NHS inform; [date unknown] [accessed 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/muscle-bone-and-joints/conditions-that-can-affect-multiple-parts-of-the-body/psoriatic-arthritis
  7. Solmaz D, Eder L, Aydin SZ. Update on the epidemiology, risk factors, and disease outcomes of psoriatic arthritis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol. 2018;32(2):295-311. from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S152169421830055X
  8. Tucker L, Allen A, Chandler D, et al. The 2022 British Society for Rheumatology guideline for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis with biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs [Internet]. Oxford: Oxford University Press; 2022 [accessed 18 Mar 2026]. Available from: https://academic.oup.com/rheumatology/article/61/9/e255/6594139
CMAT-07472 June 2026
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