A common skin disease called psoriasis affects 1-3% of the world’s population and is associated with a number of coexisting conditions, most commonly, psoriatic arthritis. Individuals with exacerbations of psoriatic arthritis may exhibit mild symptoms, although reports indicate that the condition often leads to impaired function and reduced quality of life.
Psoriatic arthritis shares clinical features of a variety of forms of arthritis. As such, our team of Rheumatologists works together to identify your complex set of symptoms in order to provide you with individualised psoriatic arthritis treatment. Brisbane residents can contact us if they exhibit any of the symptoms mentioned in the following article.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease during which the cutaneous manifestation of psoriasis coexists with arthritis. In certain cases, those who have a skin disease called psoriasis are affected by psoriatic arthritis. Studies indicate that up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop this condition.
What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriasis typically occurs near the joints of the body. As such, psoriatic arthritis can affect one or more joints depending on your coexisting condition. For some, only mild symptoms may be experienced which develop slowly and gradually. In others, severe psoriatic arthritis can flare up quickly and result in more severe symptoms. Below are some of the most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis:
- Swelling in one or more joints
- Pain and stiffness in the extremities
- Since psoriatic arthritis shares characteristics of other forms of spondyloarthritis, individuals may experience pain and stiffness in the sacroiliac joints (the buttocks, lower back, or neck, otherwise known as spondylitis)
- Skin pain
- Pain in the feet, most notably around the points where the ligaments and tendons attach to the bones
- Pain and redness in the eyes
Psoriasis typically presents as a red/grey rash or blotch of dead skin on the knees or elbows but can occur in other parts of the body.
What are the causes of psoriatic arthritis?
Like other rheumatic conditions that affect the immune system, the cause of psoriatic arthritis is relatively unknown. However, the literature suggests multiple factors are involved in the development of psoriatic arthritis including genetics, dysfunction of the immune system, and environmental factors.
- Genetics: Studies reveal that psoriatic arthritis is associated with a certain gene called HLA-B27. However, this perfectly normal gene is present in a large majority of the population and does not always mutate into manifestations of psoriatic arthritis. This gene can cause degrees of inflammation, especially inflammation of the spine.
- Environmental factors: Obesity, severe psoriasis, nail disease, and trauma have been shown to exacerbate inflammation of the joints.
- Immunological factors: Underlying infection or autoimmune disease may be related to the cause of your psoriatic arthritis.
How do you diagnose psoriatic arthritis?
Here at rheumatology.com.au, we pride ourselves on providing a team of Rheumatologists all of whom specialise in the different niches of rheumatology. Your consultation with one of our doctors will entail a physical examination to identify the location of your pain, determine the presence of psoriatic lesions, and have a general chat about your medical history and the symptoms you are experiencing.
Unfortunately, there is no specific test available to diagnose psoriatic arthritis. Since the perfectly normal gene attributed to the condition is not likely to affect everyone, testing for the gene is limited. If you are experiencing a flare-up of your condition, a blood test may be ordered to rule out other diseases and establish whether or not you have inflammation.
Can psoriatic arthritis be cured in Australia?
Unfortunately, there is still no cure for psoriatic arthritis. However, there have been dramatic improvements in medicine tailored towards managing the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis which many people find extremely helpful. We advise you to be wary and sceptical of any products advertised as a potential cure for this condition.
Our team of Rheumatologists is extremely helpful, ensuring you understand why you are suffering from your condition and discussing with you in detail your treatment plan to help manage your pain and restricted movement.
What treatments are there for psoriatic arthritis?
As mentioned above, there is no current cure available for most forms of arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis treatment in Brisbane aims to relieve pain and maximise your quality of life through the control of symptoms, prevention of structural damage, and normalisation of function.
Evidence suggests that people with psoriatic arthritis benefit from the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and joint injections. In more severe cases, medications called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are used.
If your condition was to continue deteriorating, we would consider initiating biological DMARD therapy.
How can Rheumatology.com.au experts help
Selecting a healthcare provider can be a very tough decision. Our team of highly skilled Rheumatologists in Brisbane are experts in various rheumatic diseases. We often work together as a consultant team to tackle the most complex set of symptoms and provide accurate diagnoses and treatments addressing your individual needs.
Our Psoriatic
Arthritis Doctors
Our Rheumatologists are compassionate, caring, and committed to providing you with treatment plans tailored to your individual needs. Meet our expert team below.
Dr Peter Landsberg
MBBS (Hons), DipRACOG, FRACGP, FRACP
Peter founded rheumatology.com.au in 2016. He is a specialist Rheumatologist with a keen interest in treating inflammatory arthritis and connective tissue disorders. His earlier years spent as a General Practitioner allow him to offer a uniquely holistic approach to patient care. He also has a strong commitment to being involved in training upcoming Rheumatologists.
Dr Clare Owens
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Clare has a passion for research. She completed her rheumatology training in Queensland and was awarded the prestigious Arthritis Australia International Research Grant, which allowed her to undertake research at the University of Leeds in the UK, a recognised European Rheumatology Centre of Excellence. Her specific areas of interest include osteoarthritis, soft tissue rheumatism, gout and connective tissue diseases such as lupus.
Dr Sergei Grosman
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Sergei completed advanced training in General and Acute Care Medicine in 2018, after which he pursued his strong interest in Rheumatology. He spent his training years in hospitals in Sydney, Brisbane and across Queensland. Sergei has a keen interest in all aspects of rheumatology and works closely with his patients to provide an individualised approach to care.
Dr Louise McCormack
MBBS (Hons), BSc, FRACP
Louise holds fellowships from the Royal Australasian College of Physicians in both General Medicine and Rheumatology and has been expertly practising as a Rheumatologist for over 12 years. In addition to her role at rheumatology.com.au, she provides her consultant specialist expertise to the Princess Alexandra Hospital and QEII Hospital Rheumatology Clinics in Brisbane.
Dr Maryam Zia
MBBS, MD, FRACP
Maryam specialised in 2019 after having completed her initial training at the University of Punjab in Pakistan. She completed her advanced training at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane and at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital. She is interested in all aspects of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.
Dr Joseph O'Callaghan
MBBS, BSc, FRACP
Dr Joseph O'Callaghan is a consultant in adult general rheumatology. He is a visiting Rheumatologist at the Mater Adult Hospital. He undertook his rheumatology training in Brisbane, Adelaide and Sydney and in Edmonton, Canada. He completed an MD on the anti-inflammatory effects of methotrexate while a Spurway Fellow in Rheumatology at the Royal North Shore Hospital. Dr O'Callaghan has an interest in all aspects of rheumatology care.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have some unanswered questions regarding psoriatic arthritis, then turn to the section below.
The best doctor to see for psoriatic arthritis is a Rheumatologist. These doctors are experts in their field and specialists in treating conditions associated with musculoskeletal and immune systems.
There are various forms of arthritis including rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition), gout (which occurs as a result of uric acid build-up), osteoarthritis (which usually occurs after injury or age-related joint wear and tear), psoriatic arthritis, and many more. Each condition has different characteristics which are still being researched.
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Avoid all products claiming to be a cure.
With treatment, someone with psoriatic arthritis can expect to live a full and healthy life.
Make
an enquiry
