Royal Raymond Rife

 

Symptoms

Psoriatic arthritis is a specific type of arthritis that occurs in approximately 10 percent of the people who have psoriasis. It can start slowly, with mild symptoms, or develop quickly. Generally, one or more of the following symptoms may appear:
Discomfort, stiffness, pain, throbbing, swelling, or tenderness in one or more joints and reduced range of joint motion;
Affecting distal joints (the joint closest to the fingernail) in the fingers or toes, lower back, wrists, knees, or ankles with swelling of the involved fingers and toes suggesting a sausage appearance;
Morning stiffness and tiredness;
Nail changes may occur; e.g., the nail may separate from its nail bed and pits may appear;
Inflammation of the eye, such as conjunctivitis.
Diagnosis

Psoriatic arthritis is similar to three other forms of arthritis which may occur with psoriasis: rheumatoid, gout, and Reiter's syndrome. The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is made on the basis of a medical history and physical examination, blood studies, and x-rays of the joints that have symptoms. A certain antibody generally present in rheumatoid arthritis is not usually found in the blood of psoriatic arthritis patients. A blood test for the antibody will distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Fluid drawn from the affected joints can be examined to resolve the diagnosis of gout or psoriatic arthritis.
Age of Onset / Developmental Factors

Psoriatic arthritis may develop at any age, but most often it begins between the ages of 30 and 50. A number of factors seem to be associated with the development of arthritis. Heredity has been shown to be a significant factor. Recent studies have shown certain genetic markers which occur more often in people who develop psoriatic arthritis. Also, there is speculation that the immune system may play a role. Certain bacteria have been identified as possible triggering factors and trauma has also been observed to trigger psoriatic arthritis.
Treatments

A warm, stable climate may have some influence on psoriatic arthritis symptoms, but diet has not been found to be beneficial in altering its course. Treatments for mild psoriatic arthritis may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen. Heat, warm water soaks, exercise programs, splints, and physical therapy can also be used.
When psoriatic arthritis is not relieved or is more severe, more potent medications may be required, e.g., methotrexate, gold injections and capsules, sulfasalazine, etretinate and even PUVA. Surgery may also be required in some cases.

The Five Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Symmetric Arthritis

Symmetric arthritis is much like rheumatoid arthritis. It usually affects multiple pairs of joints and can be disabling. The associated psoriasis is often severe. About 50 percent of people with this form of psoriatic arthritis will develop variable degrees of progressive, destructive disease, although it is less severe than rheumatoid arthritis.
Asymmetric Arthritis

Asymmetric (not occurring in the same joints on both sides of the body) arthritis usually involves only one to three joints. It can affect any joint, such as the knee, hip ankle and wrist. One finger can be involved or many can be affected. The joints may be warm, tender and red. Individuals may experience periodic joint pain which is usually responsive to medical therapy.
Distal Interphalangeal Predominant (DIP)

This form of arthritis occurs in about five percent of people with psoriatic arthritis. It involves primarily the distal joints of the fingers and toes (the joint closest to the nail), and sometimes is confused with osteoarthritis, a chronic arthritis of non-inflammatory character.
Spondylitis

In about five percent of individuals, inflammation of the spinal column is the predominant symptom. Inflammation and stiffness of the neck, lower back, sacroiliac, or spinal vertebrae are common symptoms making motion difficult. There may be peripheral disease in the hands, arms, hips, legs and feet. Spondylitis can also attack connective tissue such as ligaments.
Arthritis Mutilans

This is a severe, deforming and destructive arthritis which affects less than five percent of people with psoriatic arthritis. It principally affects the small joints of the hands and feet, although there is frequently associated neck or lower back pain. This type can progress over months and years. Arthritic flares and remissions tend to coincide with skin flares and remissions.

FREQUENCIES FOR HELPING ????

NPF Booklet on Psoriatic Arthritis

For an more detailed information on psoriatic arthritis, contact the NPF and request a copy of the NPF booklet on psoriatic arthritis. All NPF members are entitled to copies of NPF Booklets on a variety of topics.

Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis

Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis