Psoriatic Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Psoriatic Arthritis?
A rheumatologist, a doctor who treats arthritis and other diseases of the bones, joints, and muscles, usually treats psoriatic arthritis. A dermatologist, a skin doctor, can treat the skin side. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a long-lasting joint problem. It starts when the immune system, the body's defense system, becomes overactive for unknown reasons. It can also hurt the places where tendons or ligaments attach to bones.
Most people who develop it already have psoriasis, a skin disease, when they are diagnosed. A small group have joint pain before the skin rash. Psoriasis causes scaly, red, itchy patches of skin.
Symptoms
Symptoms vary greatly from person to person. They may include:
- Scaly, inflamed patches of skin, often on the scalp, elbows, or knees.
- Joint stiffness, pain, and swelling. The stiffness is often worse in the morning or after resting.
- Stiffness in the neck, lower back, and hips, if spine joints are affected.
- Feeling tired often or having little energy.
- Tender spots where tendons or ligaments attach to bone, often at the back of the heel and the sole of the foot.
- Painful, sausage-like swelling of a whole finger or toe.
- Nail changes, such as pitting (tiny dents) or crumbling.
- Eye inflammation, especially uveitis, which can cause eye pain, redness, and blurry vision.
Causes and who gets it
It is an immune-mediated disease. That means the immune system overacts and causes problems. Many people with it have a family history of the disease. Researchers have found some of the genes involved. Obesity, infection, injury, or stress may trigger the disease.
Anyone can get it, but it is most common in adults. It affects men and women equally. On average, it develops about 7 to 10 years after the skin symptoms begin. If you have psoriasis, obesity and severe psoriasis seem to be linked to a higher risk of arthritis.
How doctors diagnose it
There is no definitive test for psoriatic arthritis. Your doctor may ask about a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
- A physical exam. Swollen and tender joints, psoriasis skin patches, and nail changes are important signs.
- A blood sample to check for other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Imaging tests, such as x-rays, ultrasound, or MRI, which can show changes in the joints or spine.
- A skin biopsy, which is a small skin sample, can confirm psoriasis.
Treatment
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatments can slow it down, lessen pain, and protect the joints. Your treatment plan depends on your symptoms and how bad they are. You may need to try different medicines to find one that works, or use a mix of them.
Milder forms of the disease may be treated with:
- Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain medicines, which can help with pain and swelling.
- Shots of corticosteroids, strong drugs that fight inflammation, into the affected joints. Your doctor will prescribe the lowest dose possible to get the benefit.
More persistent or severe disease may be treated with:
- DMARDs (disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs), which are pills that hold down the immune system.
- Biologic drugs and targeted pills, which block certain immune messages. This can ease or stop swelling and help prevent damage.
Regular exercise such as walking, biking, and yoga helps keep joints strong. Talk with your doctor before starting any exercise program. A healthy weight puts less strain on your joints and may help medicines work better. Some studies show that the more a person smokes, the worse the symptoms tend to be.
When to see a doctor
See your doctor soon if joint symptoms appear. Early treatment is linked to better results and less damage. Eye pain, redness, or blurry vision needs care right away, because uveitis must be treated promptly to avoid vision loss. Keep regular visits with your rheumatologist to control the disease.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A primary care doctor can treat problems as they come up and help connect your specialists. Your primary care doctor can also check for high blood pressure, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Common questions
Is there a cure for psoriatic arthritis?
No, there is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatments can slow its progression, lessen pain, and protect the joints.
Do you need psoriasis to get psoriatic arthritis?
No, but most people with psoriatic arthritis already have psoriasis. A small group have joint pain before the skin rash.
Can psoriatic arthritis affect the eyes?
Yes, it can cause eye inflammation, especially uveitis. Uveitis can cause eye pain, redness, and blurry vision, and it must be treated promptly to avoid vision loss.
Can exercise help psoriatic arthritis?
Yes, regular exercise can help keep your joints strong. Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, yoga, or tai chi may be especially helpful.
Sources
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms, Causes, & Risk Factors
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Psoriatic Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
- American College of Rheumatology - Psoriatic Arthritis
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
