Psoriatic
Arthritis
Here
is another link that will be of great interest to you.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatments
Psoriatic Arthritis
as the name implies is a two-fold disease that affects
different areas
of the body. Psoriasis is a skin condition and arthritis affects the
joints in our body.
When both are present you have psoriatic arthritis.
Psoriasis is a autoimmune disorder meaning your immune system which
normally fights off
virus and bacteria will all of a sudden start attacking your healthy cells
and tissue.
The result is a rapid buildup of dead skin cells on the outside of your
body: red, itchy,
flaking skin. The affected areas are usually around the scalp, elbows,
knees, and groin
area.
Arthritis is joint inflammation. A joint is where two bones meet
together. Inflammation
is caused by disease or injury and the symptoms are usually swelling, pain
and stiffness
in that particular area.
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Other
Psoriatic Arthritis Facts
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Psoriatic arthritis in normal cases develops between your 30's and 50's
but this can
vary. It is an equal opportunity disease meaning both men and women are
affected equally.
In the majority of cases psoriasis occurs first and then arthritis will
follow. Sometimes
people who have psoriasis don't even know they also have arthritis.
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Symptoms
Of Psoriatic Arthritis
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- Pain in your affected joints
- Swollen Joints
Dry
- Ppatchy skin
- Red flaky skin
-
Rashes
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The
5 Types of Psoriatic Arthritis
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The 5 Types of psoriatic arthritis.
1. Asymmetric arthritis
2. Symmetric arthritis
3. Distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP)
4. Spondylitis
5. Arthritis mutilans
*If you have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis you may experience
shifting from
one these stages to another.
Asymmetric arthritis is the most common case of psoriatic arthritis. It
will be found
in one or a few joints like your knee, hip or fingers.
Symmetric arthritis is the second most common form of psoriatic arthritis.
It will be found
in the same joints on both sides of your body and the symptoms are very
similar to that
of rheumatoid arthritis.
Distal interphalangeal predominant (DIP), a less common form of psoriatic
arthritis,
affects the joints in your hands and toes including your nails.
Spondylitis can cause inflammation in your spine and usually movement is
painful, especially in
the neck and back area.
Arthritis mutilans is the least common case of psoriatic arthritis. This
can be debilitating,
very painful and destructive. It often affects the hands and feet and can
destroy the small
bones in the hand and fingers which will cause pain and permanent deformity.
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Causes
of Psoriatic Arthritis
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Because psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease which basically means your body is
attacking itself, there is
not much you can do about it. Your genetics and the world we live in play
a major role in this
disease.
Physical trauma or environmental issues are the main culpret.
Your doctor will have the necessary education to help diagnosis this disease and all your concerns should be directed
towards your health
care professional.
Your doctor will run many tests to help you determine
if you indeed suffer from
Psoriatic Arthritis. Some of the tests will include blood work, joint
fluid tests, and x-rays to
help determine the cause of your pain.
Bottom Line:
Seek your doctor early, because if you let it go, it can cause damage to
your skin, bones and joints.
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