K.N.O.W. Home Health - PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is a kind of arthritis that happens in some people who have a skin disease called psoriasis. Psoriasis causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriatic arthritis makes the joints swollen, stiff, and painful.

It can affect fingers, toes, knees, ankles, back, and even nails. Sometimes, people get skin problems first, and other times, the joint problems come first.

What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. This means your body’s immune system attacks healthy joints and skin by mistake.

Doctors don’t know exactly what causes it, but these things can make it more likely:

Having psoriasis
Family history (if someone in your family has it)
Infections
Injuries to the joints
Stress

Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis can’t be cured, but treatment can help manage symptoms. Treatment can include:

Medicines to reduce pain and swelling, like NSAIDs
DMARDs (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs) to slow the disease
Biologics, which work on the immune system
Skin creams or treatments for psoriasis
Exercise to keep joints moving
Physical therapy
Healthy eating and rest

How to Reduce Flare-Ups (When Symptoms Get Worse)

To prevent flare-ups or make them less severe:

Take your medicines the way your doctor tells you
Get plenty of sleep
Eat healthy foods
Don’t smoke or drink alcohol
Stay active, but don’t overdo it
Manage stress
Keep your skin moisturized
Maintain a healthy weight

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if:

You have more joint pain, swelling, or stiffness than usual
Your psoriasis rash gets worse
You feel very tired or weak
Your medicine causes side effects
You feel like your treatment isn’t working

When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER if:

You cannot walk or move because of pain
Your joints are very hot, red, and swollen
You have chest pain or trouble breathing
You have a high fever or chills
You feel dizzy, confused, or pass out

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Choose True or False for each statement below: Please correct the False Statements

True or False, psoriatic arthritis only affects the skin, not the joints.
True or False, psoriatic arthritis is a kind of autoimmune disease.
True or False, people with psoriasis can also get arthritis.
True or False, this disease can cause swelling in fingers and toes.
True or False, doctors always know what causes psoriatic arthritis.
True or False, joint pain and skin problems may not happen at the same time.
True or False, exercise can help keep your joints flexible.
True or False, there is a cure for psoriatic arthritis.
True or False, you should take medicine exactly as your doctor tells you.
True or False, stress can make psoriatic arthritis worse.
True or False, a healthy diet and enough sleep can help reduce flare-ups.
True or False, smoking and alcohol are good for psoriatic arthritis.
True or False, biologic medicines work on the immune system.
True or False, you should call your doctor if your skin rash gets worse.
True or False, it’s okay to ignore new swelling or stiffness.
True or False, family history can be a reason someone gets psoriatic arthritis.
True or False, your doctor may give you medicine to treat both skin and joint problems.
True or False, physical therapy can help with movement.
True or False, you should always go to the ER if you feel dizzy or confused.
True or False, people with psoriatic arthritis should never exercise at all.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWOR

Have you noticed that your joint pain or stiffness worsens when your psoriasis skin symptoms flare up?

Which joints (such as fingers, toes, knees, or back) are most affected, and how does this impact your daily activities?

Have you experienced swelling in entire fingers or toes (sometimes called “sausage digits”) or changes in your nails, such as pitting or lifting?

What treatments or medications are you currently using for your psoriasis or arthritis, and how well do they help control your symptoms?

Answer Key

False – Psoriatic arthritis affects both the skin and the joints.
True – It is an autoimmune disease, meaning the body attacks itself.
True – Many people with psoriasis also get joint pain.
True – It often affects fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and back.
False – Doctors do not know the exact cause.
True – Skin and joint symptoms may happen at different times.
True – Exercise helps keep joints from getting stiff.
False – There is no cure, but treatment helps manage symptoms.
True – Medicine works best when taken as prescribed.
True – Stress is a common trigger for flare-ups.
True – Healthy habits can lower the chance of flare-ups.
False – Smoking and alcohol can make symptoms worse.
True – Biologics are a type of medicine that work on the immune system.
True – A worsening rash should be reported to your doctor.
False – New swelling or stiffness should never be ignored.
True – Family history can increase the risk.
True – Some medicines treat both skin and joint symptoms.
True – Physical therapy can help improve joint movement.
True – Dizziness and confusion can be emergency signs.
False – Gentle exercise is encouraged unless your doctor says otherwise.