Having a condition like psoriatic arthritis can make life very difficult, and what makes it even more unfortunate, is that this condition does not have a cure. However, things are not completely hopeless, as in the past few years, doctors have come up with a couple of solutions which can treat the condition and give someone a chance to live a normal life.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Before we discuss the treatment of this condition, it is important to understand what it is, and to help you understand if you are experiencing some symptoms which you can consult about with your doctor. This condition, like any other arthritis, is a condition which affects the joints.
What makes psoriatic arthritis different from others is that it usually develops for people who already suffer from psoriasis, which is a condition that causes rashes on different areas of the skin. On average, about two out of ten people with psoriasis are going to develop psoriatic arthritis.
Changes on the skin are a common symptom
What are the symptoms?
Besides the distinctive rashes of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis has a lot of symptoms, however, the most common ones are the ones that attack the joints. Patients with this condition will most commonly experience pain, swelling, and swiftness in joints. The pain is often experienced in a single joint, but multiple joints can be affected. The buttocks, lower back, and the neck are the most common areas.
Some patients will also experience pain in the cords which attach muscles to the bones, which are called tendons. The most common tendons affected are the ones at the back of the heel, and the sole of the foot. Less common symptoms are the ones revolving around nails and eyes. You can find more information about symptoms at https://arthritiscare.com.au, or you can consult with a specialist.
How is it diagnosed?
It is quite simple to diagnose this condition for a professional eye, as they will take your symptoms into consideration while giving you a physical examination. There is no specific test for the condition, however, with a combination of tests for psoriasis and inflammation can easily help a rheumatologist to diagnose the condition.
Should you be worried and what is the treatment?
Without taking any treatment, the condition often worsens over time, which causes symptoms to become more severe, and that can often make even some simple tasks extremely difficult depending on the affected joints. However, with treatment, you can lead a normal life.
With the help of a psoriatic arthritis specialist in Brisbane, you can easily receive treatment for psoriatic arthritis based on the symptoms you are experiencing. You will simply be proscribed some medication that you will have to take according to the specialist’s instructions.
If untreated, it can psoriatic arthritis can become very difficult
Final word
If you are experiencing any kind of discomfort, the biggest mistake is to think that it is going to go away on its own. You should contact your doctor immediately if you think something is wrong, and they will help you find the solution for your problem.