Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis (pronunciation: sorr-ee-at-ic ar-thri-tis) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis - a condition that features red patches of skin topped with silvery scales.
Etymology
The term "Psoriatic Arthritis" is derived from the Greek words "psora" meaning itch, and "arthron" meaning joint, combined with the Latin suffix "-itis" which denotes inflammation.
Definition
Psoriatic Arthritis is a chronic and progressive disease that can cause stiffness, pain, swelling, and tenderness in and around the joints. It can affect any part of the body, including the fingertips and spine, and can range from relatively mild to severe. In both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, disease flares may alternate with periods of remission.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis can vary from person to person but may include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Morning stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Nail psoriasis
- Enthesitis - inflammation of the entheses, the sites where tendons or ligaments insert into the bones
- Dactylitis - inflammation of an entire digit (a finger or toe)
Causes
The exact cause of Psoriatic Arthritis is unknown, but it's believed to involve a combination of genetic, environmental, and immune system factors. It's also known that having psoriasis itself is the biggest risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis typically involves a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Medications can help to reduce inflammation, slow the progression of the disease, and relieve symptoms. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can help to improve overall health and manage symptoms.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Psoriatic Arthritis
- Wikipedia's article - Psoriatic Arthritis
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