psoriatic arthritis; This chronic disease affects about 0.1% of adults around the world, and is characterized by episodes of exacerbation of the disease and others that reduce the severity of the disease.
Arthritis in psoriasis appears in 5% - 7% of patients with psoriasis. It affects about 2% of people, and it should be noted that psoriasis begins to appear in those aged between 5-15 years, and psoriatic arthritis usually appears between the ages of 50-55.
In most cases, the condition of arthritis and skin does not worsen at the same time, but in patients whose arthritis
Arthritis appears only in the distal joints of the fingers, in a specific group of patients who have problems with the nails.
Types of psoriatic arthritis
Among the most important types of psoriatic. inflammation:
1. Symmetrical psoriatic arthritis.
The inflammation
This type of disease occurs in approximately one third of patients who suffer from arthritis.
2. Adverse psoriatic arthritis
In about 5% of patients
Small joints in the toes and hands are destroyed in this type of arthritis. One third of patients with psoriatic joint pain, hip joint pain, and spinal injuries also have these problems.
In such a case, the patient suffers from back pain, which increases in intensity during sitting and rest times, and decreases when exerting some effort. It is accompanied by prolonged morning stiffness, and sometimes spinal pain is not related to.
Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, The main symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:
- Foot pain.
- Swelling in the toes or hands.
- Pain in the lower back.
- Psoriatic arthritis risk factors and causes.
The cause of arthritis and psoriasis is not yet known. But it is known that environmental and genetic factors may play an important role in the emergence of this disease.
1-Psoriatic arthritis risk factors and causes
The cause of arthritis and psoriasis is not yet known. However, it is well known that environmental and genetic factors may play an important role in the emergence of this disease.
risk factors
There are several factors that increase the risk of developing the disease:
- 1. Family history of illness: Certainly, when someone in the family has psoriasis, there are many who have the same disease. If a first-degree relative has psoriasis, then the risk of developing psoriasis is 50 times greater.
- 2. Psoriasis: People who have psoriasis of the skin have an increased chance of developing psoriatic arthritis.
- 3. Age: Psoriatic arthritis does not differentiate between any age, but the chances of developing it increase between the ages of 50-30 years.
Complications of psoriatic arthritis:
- Inflammation where bones and tendons meet.
- Fibrosis in the upper part of the lungs.
- Damage to one of the heart valves.
- Eye infection.
- (Amyloidosis).
Diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis
Diagnosis is made by:
1. Physical examination.
During the examination, the doctor notes clinical signs, including swollen joints and others.
2. blood test work
A blood sample is taken for the following tests:
Rheumatoid factor test. Joint fluid test.
3- X-ray examinations
X-rays can be used to diagnose the causes of arthritis, especially in the case of long-term concurrent disease.
It is also possible to obtain a distinctive picture of the disease from images of the spine, especially in patients with the dorsal and cervical spine and pelvic joints.
Methods for treating psoriatic joint pain, The treatment proceeds as follows:
1. Use the initial treatment of psoriatic arthritis
At the onset of the disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are given, which are effective for almost all patients with psoriatic arthritis, especially inflammation and pain in the spine.
If only one joint is affected, the joint can be injected with topical steroids.
2. Secondary treatment methods for psoriatic arthritis
When a patient does not respond with these medications, doctors consider opportunities to use treatment with second-line drugs, such as:
- (Salazoprine).
- (Methotrexate).
- (Cyclosporine).
Here it is assumed that the function of these drugs is to relieve any inflammation and prevent damage to any of the joints.
Here we must talk about that you should not for get to do comprehensive blood tests (CBC), kidney tests and liver function regularly, in order to avoid side effects of medications.
3- biological therapy
If the previous medicines did not help, there is the possibility of giving new medicines, including (Infliximab). Among them, those that can contribute to the treatment of psoriasis of the skin and joints in more than 80% of patients
If the previous drugs do not help, there is a possibility to give new drugs, including those that can contribute to the treatment of joint disease and skin psoriasis in more than 80% of patients.