Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain in any joint, but it is most often felt in the lower back, neck, and in large joints such as those in the hands, knees and feet. It can also affect the spine and small joints, such as those in the fingers and toes.
Many people with psoriatic arthritis also experience pain in the tendons and ligaments around the joints, as well as in the muscles and skin. The joint pain can be or become disabling if left untreated.
People who have psoriatic arthritis often report a dull, aching pain in the affected areas, which can at times become throbbing or burning. Other common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include swelling and stiffness in the joints, skin inflammation, redness or swelling in the toes, fatigue, and nail changes.
How would you describe the pain of psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis can be a very painful experience. It usually produces symptoms such as swelling, stiffness, and pain of the joints that have become inflamed. The resulting inflammation can cause redness, tenderness, and heat around the joints.
It can also cause the joints to become deformed, leading to a decreased range of motion and difficulty with everyday tasks. The pain can range from a dull ache to a more intense throbbing pain that increases when the joint is moved.
Some people may also experience fatigue, weight loss, and depression as a result of their condition. It is important for sufferers of psoriatic arthritis to seek treatment from their doctor in order to reduce the inflammation, pain, and disability that can result from the condition.
What does a psoriatic arthritis flare up feel like?
A psoriatic arthritis flare up can feel very painful and debilitating. The joint pain caused by psoriatic arthritis can range from mild to very severe, and can affect any joint in the body, such as the hands, wrists, ankles, elbows, knees, and feet.
The pain can range from a dull, aching pain to a sharp, burning pain. Many people also experience stiffness in their joints, especially after long periods of inactivity. During a flare up, the pain can also get worse due to swelling and redness in the affected joints.
Many people may also experience stiffness and fatigue, which can make it difficult to perform daily activities. On top of the physical symptoms, psoriatic arthritis can also cause depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
It is important to talk to your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, as treatment is available to reduce pain and disability.
Why is psoriatic arthritis so painful?
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis that is typically experienced by people with a chronic skin condition called psoriasis. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints and can affect any joint in the body which can make it very painful.
The main cause of pain in psoriatic arthritis is inflammation, which triggers certain cells and chemicals to attack the joints and other tissues, resulting in pain and swelling. This inflammation also causes the joint to become very stiff, which can also be painful.
Other factors that contribute to the pain include damage to the joint surfaces and wear and tear of the joint cartilage.
In some cases, psoriatic arthritis can also cause nerve damage, which causes shooting or burning pains in the affected area. Additionally, the pain can be exacerbated by environmental or emotional triggers, resulting in flares of joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
Overall, psoriatic arthritis is incredibly painful due in large part to the inflammation, stiffness, and nerve damage caused by the condition. With proper treatment, such as physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, and medications, it is possible to reduce the severity of the pain associated with psoriatic arthritis.
What are the red flags for psoriatic arthritis?
The red flags for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can vary from person to person, but some common signs include:
• Painful and swollen joints, especially those in the fingers, toes, and spine
• Severe morning stiffness that lasts at least half an hour
• Distal joint pain (joints near the ends of your fingers and toes)
• Nail bed changes, including pits, ridges, and changes in nail color
• Skin rashes and psoriasis, especially on the back of the elbows, neck, and scalp
• Fatigue and generally feeling unwell for a prolonged period
• Poor sleep patterns due to joint pain and stiffness
• Limited range of motion in the joints
• Vision changes due to inflammation in the eye
• Trouble using your hands, wrists, elbows, and other joints to complete daily tasks
• A feeling of general achiness in several parts of your body
• Weight loss from lack of appetite, nausea, or fatigue
• Fever, which can be a sign of PsA flare-ups
It is important to note that PsA is not just joint pain or swelling. Its red flags may overlap with those of other medical conditions, so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis from a medical professional who can rule out any other causes.
How long do psoriatic arthritis flare-ups last?
The duration of a psoriatic arthritis flare-up can vary significantly depending on the individual, severity of the symptoms, and steps taken to manage the condition. Some flare-ups may last as little as a few days, while others could last weeks or even months.
Considering the variable nature of a flare-up, it is also possible that the length of time between flare-ups can change from person to person.
Individuals with psoriatic arthritis can help manage their flare-ups by following a consistent treatment plan with their doctor. This might include lifestyle choices like physical activity and getting enough rest, dietary changes, medications such as anti-inflammatories and biologics, or any combination of treatments.
Additionally, it is important for individuals with psoriatic arthritis to pay attention to how their bodies respond to treatments and triggers and communicate any changes or concerns to their doctor.
The best way to determine how long a psoriatic arthritis flare will last for a particular individual is to discuss options with their healthcare practitioner and make an individualized plan to meet their symptom management goals.
Does the pain of psoriatic arthritis come and go?
Yes, the pain of psoriatic arthritis can come and go. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis linked to the autoimmune condition psoriasis, and pain is its most common symptom. Depending on the severity of a person’s condition, their pain might last anywhere from a few days to months or even years.
Factors such as stress, inflammation, weather changes, and fatigue can all contribute to the pain associated with psoriatic arthritis, leading it to come and go in different intensities. People with psoriatic arthritis might experience an overall pain level or sharp, localized pain in certain joints or muscles.
Managing the pain of psoriatic arthritis depends on the individual and can include lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, and dietary changes.
Can psoriatic arthritis make your whole body hurt?
Yes, psoriatic arthritis can make your whole body hurt. This chronic condition affects the joints and connective tissue, with pain, swelling, and stiffness that can occur throughout the body. While psoriatic arthritis commonly affects the joints in the extremities, such as the hands, feet, neck and spine, it can affect other areas as well, including the hips, buttocks, shoulders, and elbows.
In some cases, inflammation can even occur in the eyes, skin and other body organs. The pain and stiffness associated with psoriatic arthritis can be constant, or come and go in episodes. It may also be worse in some parts of the body compared to others.
Treatment will help reduce pain and inflammation, but it is important to speak to a doctor if whole-body pain is affecting your lifestyle.
How can you tell the difference between psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and fibromyalgia (FM) are both chronic conditions which involve chronic pain and fatigue. However, there are key differences between the two that can help differentiate them.
PsA is a type of inflammatory arthritis and is related to psoriasis, which is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation and redness of the skin. Symptoms of PsA include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the joints.
In comparison, FM is a related musculoskeletal pain disorder without any associated inflammation. Symptoms of FM include widespread pain, fatigue, tenderness in multiple locations of the body (known as tender points), insomnia, and cognitive difficulties.
Another distinguishing feature between the two is that PsA mostly affects the joints, while FM affects the entire body. Additionally, while PsA is visible, as it is associated with psoriasis, FM is usually not visible and thus may go undiagnosed.
Given the differences in the symptoms and associated conditions, a clear diagnosis of either PsA or FM should be made by a health care professional. If you think you may have either PsA or FM, it is important to talk to your doctor about diagnosis and treatment.