Psoriatic Arthritis - UK Health Insurance

HealthInsurance Quote Line

0800 107 9246

• Home
• Mortgages
• Credit Cards
• Loans
• Investments
• Life Insurance
• Home Insurance

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I |  J  | K | L | M | N |  O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

 

 

[Piles] [PMS] [Psoriatic Arthritis]

PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

Psoriatic arthritis is a type of arthritis that is associated with psoriasis, which is a chronic skin condition characterized by inflamed, red, raised areas that develop silvery scales.

TARGET GROUP:

It can affect people of all age groups and can occur in men and women equally.

TYPE OF DISEASE:

This disease is often associated with psoriasis of the skin. Psoriasis is a common, chronic skin condition that causes red patches on the body. People suffering from psoriasis are more likely to develop arthritis. The arthritis is usually mild and only a few joints are affected. In a few cases the disease is severe and usually affects the fingers and the spine.

 

SYMPTOMS:

The chief symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are:

• Skin lesions of psoriasis
• Abnormalities in the nails
• Swelling in the joints
• Pain in the joints
• Wrist and elbow pain
• Knee and ankle pain
• Hip pain
• Pain in Achilles tendon
• Pains in the joints of fingers and toes
• Swelling and tenderness at the attachment of tendons to the bone

 

AFFECTED AREA:

Psoriatic arthritis is generally mild and involves only a few joints, usually the fingers, toes and the spine.

CAUSES:

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is not known, but genetic factors can play an important role in its development. Most of the people with psoriatic arthritis do have other family members with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.

 

RISK TO SUFFERER:

The most common complication is a repeated occurrence of psoriatic arthritis.

TREATMENT:

Treatment of psoriatic arthritis involves medications, patient education, physical therapy, adequate rest and exercise, heat and cold applications, hydro therapy, and occupational therapy. In severe cases, which are rare, surgery to repair damaged joints will be performed. Psoriasis treatment is necessary if the patient is suffering from psoriasis. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications or salicylates are used to reduce the pain and swelling of the joints. More severe arthritis requires treatment with more powerful drugs called disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. Rarely, particularly painful joints may be injected with steroid medications.