Insights into Psoriatic Arthritis Classifications: A Breakdown of Its Five Distinct Forms
Laid-Back Guide to Psoriatic Arthritis Types, Symptoms, and Treatment
Hey there, buddy! Let's dive into the lowdown on psoriatic arthritis (PsA) – the annoying, joint-painin' sibling of psoriasis. Ready? Let's go!
PsA and psoriasis are like peas in a pod, but they ain't the same. Psoriasis is a pesky skin condition that leaves you with red, scaly patches. PsA? That's the one causing joint discomfort, my man. Some peeps have both conditions, while others suffer from one or the other.
If you're wrestling with PsA, it's essential to figure out which type you've got, so you can score the right treatment. Here's how to spot the five main types and what ya can do about 'em.
So, What's the Scoop on Psoriatic Arthritis Types?
PsA affects about 20 to 30 percent of psoriasis-ridden folks. There are five types, including:
- Asymmetric PsA
- Symmetric PsA
- Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA
- Spondylitis PsA
- Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans
Now, your doc will factor in all your symptoms to pinpoint the right diagnosis. But here's what to look for.
1. Asymmetric PsA
Asymmetric PsA is the most common form of PsA, nabbing at least 60 percent of cases. It kinda targets individual joints instead of joints in pairs. So, you might have sore joints on the right hand while the left one's chillaxin'. But don't think your symptoms'll only hit one side – they tend to affect multiple body parts. According to a 2019 study, this form is more popular among the boys.
Symptoms to Spot
- Fatigue
- Blurred vision
- Pitting or cracked nails
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Stiff, painful, swollen, or tender joints
- Swollen or painful ligaments or tendons
The Treatment
PsA lacks a cure, but there are ways to keep those symptoms on a leash. Your doctor will help you find the perfect treatment plan – might be physical therapy, corticosteroids, biologic drugs, or NSAIDs.
2. Symmetric PsA
With symmetric PsA, symptoms pop up on both sides of your bod nearly simultaneously. This form represents 15 to 61 percent of cases and favors the ladies.
Symptoms to Spot
- Fatigue
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Stiff, painful, swollen, or tender joints
- Swollen ligaments or tendons
The Treatment
Treatment for symmetric PsA is similar to asymmetric PsA – your doc will consider factors like your age, weight, health, and mobility when devising a treatment plan.
PsA can get seriously aggravated by smokin' cigarettes, BTW. It might reduce some treatment benefits or worsen your symptoms.
3. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP) PsA
An estimated 10 percent of PsA sufferers have DIP PsA, which zeroes in on the joints near the tips of your toes and fingers.
Symptoms to Spot
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Painful ligaments or tendons
- Reduced range of joint motion
- Joint stiffness in your fingers or toes
- Nail problems like pitting, white spots, discoloration, cracking, or detachment
The Treatment
Your doc might suggest NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to deal with mild inflammation and discomfort. For more severe cases, TNF inhibitors could be on the menu. They might help slow disease progression.
4. Spondylitis PsA (Axial PsA)
Roughly 7 to 32 percent of PsA sufferers have spondylitis PsA, which targets the joints between your spinal vertebrae.
Symptoms to Spot
- Pain, stiffness, and swelling in the neck and back
- Pain in other body parts like feet, hips, arms, legs, and hands
The Treatment
Treatment for spondylitis PsA can involve NSAIDs, physical therapy, immunosuppressants, sulfasalazine, biologic medications, and DMARDs.
5. Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans
PsA mutilans hits about 5 percent of PsA sufferers hard, usually attacking the hands, feet, or wrists.
Symptoms to Spot
- Severe joint pain
- Joint deformities
- Bone loss in affected joints
- Loss of movement or reduced range of motion
- Pain radiating to other areas of the body
The Treatment
PsA mutilans is a progressive condition. It worsens over time, so managing symptoms ASAP is crucial.
Treatment can include anti-TNF inhibitors, DMARDs, or biologic medications. One 2011 study also found that etanercept (Enbrel) might help restore joint function. But more research is needed to verify this.
The Big Takeaway
PsA is a type of arthritis experienced by up to 30 percent of psoriasis peeps. It's not a one-size-fits-all deal and can differ from person to person.
Treatment depends on your unique symptoms and lifestyle factors. Your doc might suggest meds to lower inflammation and pain while slowing the disease's progress. With the right care, you can toughen up against PsA and keep living your best life!
Just remember to consult your doc before trying any home treatments. They'll help you find the best approach for your symptoms while ensuring your treatments complement each other.
References:[1] Rheumatology Advisor. (2020). What You Need to Know About Treating Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.rheumatologyadvisor.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/psoriatic-arthritis/guidelines-tips-overview/
[2] Arthritis Foundation. (2021). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/psoriatic
[3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20280288
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Psoriatic Arthritis. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5344-psoriatic-arthritis
[5] Hardin, Anthony P., et al. Treatment Guidelines for Psoriatic Arthritis: 2018 Update. The Journal of Rheumatology, 2018, vol. 45, no. 2, pp. 275-299. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3899/jrheum.171121
- Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a form of chronic disease that affects about 20 to 30 percent of people with psoriasis.
- There are five main types of PsA: Asymmetric, Symmetric, Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP), Spondylitis, and Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans.
- Asymmetric PsA, the most common form, affects individual joints rather than pairs and can impact multiple body parts.
- Symmetric PsA, which affects both sides of the body, is more common in women and favors the ladies.
- DIP PsA specifically targets the joints near the tips of the toes and fingers.
- Spondylitis PsA focuses on the joints between the spinal vertebrae and can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the neck and back.
- Psoriatic Arthritis Mutilans is a severe, progressive form of PsA that affects the hands, feet, or wrists and can lead to joint deformities and loss of movement.
