Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that can affect some people with psoriasis. Most commonly, a patient first develops psoriasis, and later on, psoriatic arthritis. It is possible that the joint pain can appear before the red and silver scale patches appear on the skin. Many who have psoriatic arthritis will experience stiff joints, swelling, and pain throughout the body, including:
- Swelling in the fingers and toes: Deformities in the hands and feet as well as sausage-like swelling in fingers and toes
- Spine pain: psoriatic arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, which in turn can cause severe pain, especially in the spinal vertebrae.
- Foot discomfort: Many suffering from psoriatic arthritis feel pain at the Achilles tendon or the soles of the feet. This is due to pain where tendons connect to the bones.
- Other pain: In addition to joint pain, psoriatic arthritis can include red scaly skin that can be itchy, unsightly or uncomfortable
