Psoriatic Arthritis: Symptoms, Treatments, and What You Need to Know

When psoriatic arthritis, a type of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in people with skin psoriasis. It's not just joint pain—it’s the immune system attacking both skin and joints. If you have scaly patches on your elbows or knees and suddenly your fingers feel stiff or swollen, this could be why. About 30% of people with psoriasis develop it, and it often shows up between ages 30 and 50. The connection between skin and joint inflammation is real, and ignoring one can make the other worse.

People with skin psoriasis, a chronic autoimmune condition causing red, flaky patches on the skin should watch for early signs of joint trouble: swollen fingers that look like sausages, lower back pain that gets worse with rest, or heel pain that feels like a stone bruise. These aren’t just normal aches—they’re red flags. autoimmune disease, a condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue is the root cause. That means treatments need to calm the immune system, not just numb the pain. Common drugs like NSAIDs help with swelling, but for long-term control, biologics or DMARDs are often needed. These aren’t quick fixes—they’re tools to stop joint damage before it’s permanent.

Managing psoriatic arthritis isn’t just about pills. It’s about movement, rest, and knowing when to push through discomfort and when to stop. Many people find relief with gentle exercise like swimming or yoga, which keep joints flexible without pounding them. Weight management matters too—extra pounds add stress to knees and hips already under attack. And while some turn to supplements like fish oil or turmeric, there’s no substitute for proven medical care. If your skin flares and your joints ache at the same time, it’s not coincidence—it’s the disease talking.

What you’ll find below are real, practical guides from people who’ve lived with this. From how to tell if your joint pain is psoriatic arthritis or just old age, to what medications actually work without wrecking your liver, to how to talk to your doctor when they dismiss your symptoms. These aren’t theory pieces—they’re lessons from the front lines.