Psoriatic arthritis symptoms

The skin symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include a rash, thick, red skin, or flaky, silver-white scaly patches, as in plaque psoriasis. The skin may itch and be painful. Up to 85% of people with PsA experience skin problems associated with psoriasis before having psoriatic arthritis symptoms.

Many patients with PsA experience fatigue (being very tired), which can be debilitating. PsA fatigue can be caused by ongoing inflammation, anemia (low iron), and other factors. Managing the level of inflammation can help reduce fatigue, so things like following an anti-inflammatory diet and talking to your doctor about your treatment goals may help.

"Sausage-like" swelling along the entire length of fingers—also called dactylitis—is often a telltale sign of psoriatic arthritis. This is different from rheumatoid arthritis, in which the swelling is usually confined to a joint. In PsA, it is possible to have swelling in your hands and feet before developing joint symptoms.

"Sausage-like" swelling along the entire length of toes—also called dactylitis—is often a telltale sign of psoriatic arthritis. This is different from rheumatoid arthritis, in which the swelling is usually confined to a joint. In PsA, it is possible to have swelling in your hands and feet before developing joint symptoms.

Difficulty moving joints and limbs as freely as before is a sign of PsA.

In PsA, joints tend to be stiff and inflexible either first thing in the morning or after a period of rest. 

Some people may develop back pain as a result of psoriatic arthritis, including a condition called spondylitis. Spondylitis causes inflammation of the joints between the vertebrae of your spine and in the joints between your spine and pelvis (sacroiliitis).

When you have psoriatic arthritis, your fingernails as well as toenails may become pitted (when depressions form). Additionally, your nails can completely separate from the nail bed.

Pain in the foot could be enthesitis, a condition in which areas where tendons and ligaments join onto bones become tender and inflamed. This frequently happens at the heel (Achilles tendinitis) or at the bottom of the foot (plantar fasciitis).

Some people with psoriatic arthritis have pain in their eyes and other eye problems, such as blurred and/or disturbed vision and reddened eyes. These eye symptoms may be caused by conjunctivitis or uveitis.