Top 5 Warning Signs That Might Signal Psoriatic Arthritis in Your Body
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the joints and the skin, often causing significant discomfort and mobility issues. Recognizing the early signs of psoriatic arthritis can be crucial for timely treatment and preventing long-term joint damage. Here are the top five warning signs that might signal psoriatic arthritis in your body.
Joint Pain and Swelling
One of the most common signs of psoriatic arthritis is persistent joint pain accompanied by swelling. This discomfort often affects fingers, toes, knees, or ankles, and may come with stiffness especially after periods of inactivity or in the morning.
Skin Changes Related to Psoriasis
Since psoriatic arthritis is closely linked to psoriasis, many individuals experience red, scaly patches on their skin before or alongside joint symptoms. These plaques typically appear on areas like elbows, knees, scalp, or lower back.
Dactylitis – Swelling of Fingers or Toes
Dactylitis refers to a sausage-like swelling of an entire finger or toe caused by inflammation. This symptom is distinctive to psoriatic arthritis and can be a clear indicator when noticed early.
Nail Abnormalities
Changes in nail appearance such as pitting (small depressions), thickening, discoloration, or separation from the nail bed can signal underlying joint inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis.
Morning Stiffness Lasting Over 30 Minutes
While many people experience some stiffness upon waking up, prolonged morning stiffness lasting more than half an hour may point towards inflammatory arthritis like psoriatic arthritis rather than simple wear-and-tear issues.
Understanding these warning signs empowers you to seek medical evaluation promptly if you suspect psoriatic arthritis might be affecting you. Early diagnosis and treatment are vital steps toward managing symptoms effectively and maintaining quality of life.
This text was generated using a large language model, and select text has been reviewed and moderated for purposes such as readability.
