Beyond the surface

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is one of those conditions that can be very familiar to some people and completely new to others. Whether you live with PsA every day, suspect something isn’t quite right with your joints, or just want to understand a loved one’s experience, this is for you.

​So, what is psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory type of arthritis linked to psoriasis, and it can affect joints, tendons, ligaments, nails, and overall energy levels. You might notice stiff, painful joints, sausage-like fingers or toes, or nail changes such as pitting or lifting, sometimes years after (or even before) any skin patches appear.

​If you already know PsA well

If psoriatic arthritis is already part of your life, you probably know that it is about much more than “just” achy joints. Flares, fatigue, brain fog, and the emotional impact can shape work, relationships, and day-to-day plans in ways other people do not always see.

​If this is all new to you

If you are reading this and thinking “that sounds a bit like me” or “I had no idea psoriasis could affect joints”, you are not alone. Many people only discover the link between psoriasis and joint symptoms when pain and stiffness start getting in the way of everyday tasks.

​Why noticing symptoms early helps

Catching psoriatic arthritis early can help protect joints and reduce long-term damage, so it is worth speaking to your GP or dermatologist if you have psoriasis and new or changing joint symptoms. Mention things like morning stiffness, swelling, nail changes, or fatigue, even if they feel hard to explain or come and go.

​Main signs to look for:

• Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting, that can make it hard to get moving.
• ​Swollen fingers or toes that can look “sausage-like” (dactylitis), sometimes with tenderness.
• ​Pain where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, such as the heels, soles of the feet, or around the elbows (enthesitis).
• Nail changes, including pitting (small dents), thickening, or lifting from the nail bed.
• Persistent fatigue that feels out of proportion to what you have been doing.
• Reduced range of movement or feeling “locked” or “stuck” in certain joints.

When to speak to a healthcare professional

If you have psoriasis and recognise some of these signs, especially if they are new, worsening, or affecting your daily life, it is worth booking an appointment with your healthcare provider.

Let them know you are concerned about possible psoriatic arthritis and describe when symptoms started, how often they happen, and what makes them better or worse.

To delve more into the connections go our psoriatic disease unlocked resources.