I Have Psoriasis: Is There Any Way to Avoid Psoriatic Arthritis?

While itchy, inflamed patches may be the most visible symptom of psoriasis, inflammation can also build beneath the surface, affecting your joints and leading to a chronic, progressive condition called psoriatic arthritis. 

If you’ve been diagnosed with psoriasis, understanding how to reduce your risk of joint complications is a crucial part of managing your health.

At Comprehensive Arthritis Care in Hendersonville, Tennessee, board-certified rheumatologist Dr. Mohammad F. Ali and our team specialize in identifying and managing inflammatory conditions like psoriatic arthritis. We provide top-quality rheumatic care using cutting-edge therapies and a patient-first approach.

Understanding the psoriasis-arthritis connection

Psoriatic arthritis impacts an estimated 20% of individuals living with psoriasis. While it can strike at any age, the risk of developing psoriatic arthritis increases for those with moderate-to-severe skin disease, a family history of arthritis, or nail involvement such as pitting or separation.

Unlike osteoarthritis, which develops from wear-and-tear, psoriatic arthritis is immune-driven. The immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, particularly in the joints, where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. Without adequate treatment, you can experience permanent joint damage.

Warning signs to watch for

Psoriatic arthritis can develop silently until joint symptoms have already progressed. Early warning signs include:

• Morning stiffness
• Stiffness after inactivity
• Lower back pain
• Swollen fingers or toes 
• Pain in the heels, or around tendons
• Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest

Because these symptoms can be subtle or mistaken for other conditions, timely evaluation by a rheumatologist is key.

Can psoriatic arthritis be prevented?

There’s no guaranteed way to prevent psoriatic arthritis, but early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of joint damage. If you have psoriasis, especially with a family history of arthritis or nail changes, regular monitoring is important.

Managing inflammation at the source is critical, and this typically involves using disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic therapies that target specific immune pathways. These medications help control skin symptoms and may also reduce the likelihood of developing arthritis.

Additionally, certain lifestyle choices may help lower your risk:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Manage stress
• Stay active

These habits not only support your overall well-being, but may also help reduce inflammatory triggers that contribute to joint damage. While lifestyle changes can’t guarantee prevention, they remain an important part of a comprehensive care plan.

The importance of early rheumatologic care

If you already have joint symptoms or are concerned about your risk, partnering with a rheumatologist can make all the difference. At Comprehensive Arthritis Care, our team evaluates your clinical picture, from skin involvement to joint function, and recommends a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and medical needs.

Comprehensive Arthritis Care uses advanced diagnostic tools to detect psoriatic arthritis early, even before major symptoms appear. Our goal is to reduce inflammation, protect joint integrity, and help you stay active for years to come, through a combination of medication, lifestyle guidance, and long-term monitoring, 

Seek expert arthritis care

Living with psoriasis doesn’t have to mean facing joint pain down the road. The team of experts at Comprehensive Arthritis Care is dedicated to assisting patients in staying ahead of the curve with personalized care focused on prevention, early action, and quality of life. Contact us at our Hendersonville, Tennessee, office today to schedule a consultation, and learn how to safeguard your joints before damage begins.