Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition related to psoriasis. An estimated 30 percent of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis.
When psoriatic arthritis affects the hands, it can break down the joints and limit a person’s mobility. It may cause swelling, stiffness, and inflammation in the hand and finger joints.
Pictures of symptoms
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in the hands
Psoriatic arthritis symptoms can range from mild to severe. Many people experience flare-ups, or periods in which their symptoms are much worse, as well as periods in which symptoms lessen or disappear.
When psoriatic arthritis affects the hands, it tends to affect the joints closest to the nails, which can cause swelling in the fingers. As a result, some people confuse psoriatic arthritis with gout.
The symptoms of arthritis in the hands can disrupt daily life. Psoriatic arthritis may affect one hand more than the other.
People can use certain home remedies to relieve the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis and prevent the condition from getting worse.
When someone experiences a psoriatic arthritis flare-up, the following home remedies can help:
- moisturizing often, especially after washing the hands
- applying ice to the hand joints for 10 minutes at a time, repeating as needed, to reduce inflammation and swelling
- treating fungal nail infections with antifungal creams or tablets
- keeping fingernails trimmed and smooth to prevent injuries that can cause flare-ups
- avoiding pulling or trimming the cuticles, as this can lead to injuries and flare-ups
- limiting the time spent soaking the hands in water, as this can dry out the skin
- avoiding acrylic or fake nails, as they can injure nail beds
- carrying out exercises that a physical therapist has recommended
People with psoriatic arthritis may also notice their symptoms improve if they have a healthful lifestyle, which may include the following factors:
- eating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet
- getting regular exercise
- maintaining a healthy weight, or losing weight to reduce the stress on joints
- managing and preventing stress
- quitting smoking and avoiding second-hand smoke
- avoiding alcohol
- keeping the skin moisturized and protected
Doctors may need to perform certain tests to diagnose psoriatic arthritis, because the outward symptoms can be similar to other conditions, including:
- osteoarthritis
- rheumatoid arthritis
- gout
To diagnose psoriatic arthritis in the hands, a doctor will first review a person’s symptoms, medical history, and family history. They will then closely examine the wrist, hands, and fingers to look for swelling, skin rashes, and nail pitting
If the doctor suspects psoriatic arthritis, they may refer the person to a rheumatologist. This type of specialist focuses on arthritis and other musculoskeletal diseases.
A medical practitioner may order X-rays to check for joint damage and blood tests to look for markers of the condition. They aim to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Complications
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, delaying treatment for psoriatic arthritis, even by 6 months, can lead to permanent joint damage. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve a person’s outlook.
People with psoriatic arthritis may be more likely to develop the following complications:
- eye problems, such as conjunctivitis or uveitis
- heart disease
- inflammatory bowel disease
Outlook
Psoriatic arthritis can cause discomfort in the hands and other affected areas of the body. The condition does not currently have a cure and may become worse over time if it is not treated and managed effectively.
People can control their psoriatic arthritis symptoms using home remedies, medical treatments, or both. Moisturizing the hands regularly, treating fungal nail infections, and leading a healthful lifestyle can help.
Proper treatment can slow the progression of the disease, help ease symptoms, and prevent permanent joint damage.
Source: Read Full Article