What is

What is

The fight within

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease where your overactive immune system attacks joints and skin. When the immune system attacks the body, it can increase inflammation, triggering PsA symptoms. Persistent inflammation can lead to irreversible joint damage, so it's important to diagnose and treat PsA as early as possible.

What causes psoriatic arthritis?

The exact cause of PsA is unknown, but it can be influenced by a variety of things, including a person’s immune system, genetics, or other environmental factors.

PSORIASIS and PsA

About one in three About one in three About one in three

people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis

PsA symptoms can change over time

For many people with PsA, skin symptoms show up first—sometimes 10 or more years before joint symptoms.

What are the symptoms of PsA?

Illustration of joint pain at the knee Illustration of joint pain at the knee Illustration of joint pain at the knee

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness

Illustration of a psoriatic arthritis skin plaque Illustration of a psoriatic arthritis skin plaque Illustration of a psoriatic arthritis skin plaque

Skin plaques

Illustration of a battery low on power Illustration of a battery low on power Illustration of a battery low on power

Fatigue

Illustration of pain and swelling in the heel (enthesitis) Illustration of pain and swelling in the heel (enthesitis) Illustration of pain and swelling in the heel (enthesitis)

Pain and swelling in areas like the heel and elbow (called enthesitis)

Illustration of swollen fingers (dactylitis) Illustration of swollen fingers (dactylitis) Illustration of swollen fingers (dactylitis)

Swelling of fingers and toes (called dactylitis, or “sausage fingers”)

Illustration of pitting of the nails Illustration of pitting of the nails Illustration of pitting of the nails

Pitting of the nails

How to know if you have PsA

If you’re experiencing joint pain and skin symptoms, make an appointment with a rheumatologist as soon as possible. They can perform a physical exam and lab tests to help determine if you have PsA. If you are diagnosed, they can create a treatment plan to help you manage symptoms and prevent further irreversible joint damage.

Understanding disease activity

PsA symptom severity is commonly measured as disease activity. One of the measures a rheumatologist can help you work toward is the goal of minimal disease activity, or MDA. This could mean less joint pain, swelling, stiffness and skin symptoms. 

MDA is achieved when meeting a specific measure for 5 out of 7 of the following criteria:

  • Tender joint count
  • Swollen joint count
  • The percentage of your body that is covered by skin plaques and their severity?
  • Patient pain

Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) or Body Surface Area (BSA-Ps)

  • A self-evaluation of how your symptoms affect you?
  • A questionnaire about your ability to do everyday things like turning on a faucet, buttoning a shirt, and running errands?
  • Number of tender ligaments and tendons (entheseal)

Patient Global Assessment (PtGA)

Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)

Quick Poll

Which PsA symptom gives you the most trouble?

PsA can be a different experience for everyone. That’s why it’s important to be specific about your symptoms, challenges and goals with your doctor. The Appointment Checklist helps you cover these details quickly so you can make the most of your time together. Start the Appointment Checklist now >

PsA can be a different experience for everyone. That’s why it’s important to be specific about your symptoms, challenges and goals with your doctor. The Appointment Checklist helps you cover these details quickly so you can make the most of your time together. Start the Appointment Checklist now >

PsA can be a different experience for everyone. That’s why it’s important to be specific about your symptoms, challenges and goals with your doctor. The Appointment Checklist helps you cover these details quickly so you can make the most of your time together. Start the Appointment Checklist now >

PsA can be a different experience for everyone. That’s why it’s important to be specific about your symptoms, challenges and goals with your doctor. The Appointment Checklist helps you cover these details quickly so you can make the most of your time together. Start the Appointment Checklist now >

RINVOQ is not approved to treat plaque psoriasis.

What that means for you

PsA is an ongoing challenge, but it doesn’t define who you are. Working with a rheumatologist to find an effective treatment plan may help you take better control of your condition.