What are the 5 Different Types of Psoriatic Arthritis?
Are you living with arthritis and unsure about which one you have? Psoriatic arthritis is an illness characterized by inflammation of the joints (arthritis) that typically coexists with psoriasis, a skin disease.
It is thought to be an autoimmune disease, in which the body’s immune system unintentionally targets healthy tissues. There are 5 different types of psoriatic arthritis; read this blog to learn about the types of psoriatic arthritis.
5 Different Types of Psoriatic Arthritis
Here are the 5 different types of psoriatic arthritis:
1. Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis
Asymmetric Psoriatic Arthritis, sometimes referred to as symmetric oligoarticular arthritis, is a mild kind of arthritis and affects a separate joint on each side of the body. For instance, you could have pain and stiffness on one side of your body more frequently than the other, or you might only have symptoms in one wrist.
The other signs of asymmetric arthritis are:
- Scaly and red patches on the skin.
- Stiff joints first thing in the morning.
- Having trouble bending or moving joints as much as before.
2. Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis
Symmetric Arthritis affects five or more joints in the body. It might affect both sides of your hips (left and right), as well as both knees, hands, or feet. This is the most common type of psoriatic arthritis. The symptoms of symmetric psoriatic arthritis are similar to the symptoms of asymmetric arthritis.
3. Distal Psoriatic Arthritis
Distal Psoriatic Arthritis affects the distal interphalangeal joints, which are the end joints in your fingers and toes. It can lead to nail abnormalities, including pitting, spotting, or separation from the nail bed. Distal arthritis alone affects less than 20% of Psoriatic arthritis patients; it frequently coexists with other forms of psoriatic arthritis.
4. Spondylitis
Spondylitis is the term for inflammation and degenerative changes in the lower back and pelvic sacroiliac joints, as well as the joints of the spine. The symptoms of spondylitis psoriatic arthritis are:
- Problems with your bladder or bowel.
- Weakness in arms or legs.
- Headaches
- Stiffness in your shoulders.
5. Arthritis Mutilans
Arthritis Mutilans is the most severe yet uncommon type of psoriatic arthritis and it advances quickly. It results in extreme joint injury and inflammation in the hands and feet, which can cause bone loss and joint deformity.
The symptoms of arthritis mutilans are:
- Loss of range of motion
- Changes in the nails
- Disfigured fingers and toes
- Severe pain and stiffness in the hands and feet
A person with arthritis mutilans might experience greatly reduced functional independence and capacity to use the afflicted joints.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis and its subgroups remains unclear. Psoriatic arthritis is a complicated disease that can appear in a variety of ways.
Final Say!
There are 5 different types of Psoriatic Arthritis, including distal psoriatic arthritis, symmetric arthritis, spondylitis, asymmetric arthritis, and arthritis mutilans. If you are confused about which type of psoriatic arthritis you have, you can visit us at Rheumatology Care of North Houston.
Schedule your appointment by calling (832) 532-9779.