Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?
Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints and areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. It often occurs in people with psoriasis, a skin condition marked by red, scaly patches—but joint symptoms can show up before, after, or even without any skin changes.
PsA can be unpredictable. It might affect just a few joints or several, sometimes on only one side of the body, and sometimes symmetrically. It may also cause inflammation in the spine (called spondylitis), leading to back and neck pain.
At Piedmont Arthritis Clinic, we understand how complex and personal this condition can be. We’re here to help you manage both joint and skin symptoms with clarity and compassion.
Signs & Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
Symptoms of PsA can vary widely from person to person. Some of the most common include:
Joint & Musculoskeletal
- Swollen, painful, or stiff joints
- Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
- Asymmetrical or symmetrical joint involvement
- Swelling of entire fingers or toes (“sausage digits”)
- Back pain or stiffness from spinal inflammation
- Tenderness where tendons attach to bone (heel, foot, or elbow)
Skin & Nail
- Red, scaly psoriasis patches (on scalp, elbows, knees, or hidden areas)
- Nail pitting, crumbling, or separation from the nail bed
Whole-Body
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Eye inflammation (pain, redness, blurred vision)
- General feelings of discomfort or malaise
IF YOU HAVE PSORIASIS AND ARE NOTICING JOINT PAIN, SWELLING, OR OTHER SIGNS, EARLY EVALUATION IS IMPORTANT TO PREVENT JOINT DAMAGE.
How We Diagnose Psoriatic Arthritis
There’s no single test for PsA, so our process starts by listening closely to your story. Our rheumatologists take time to understand your symptoms, examine both your joints and skin, and review your health history in depth.
We may use:
BLOODWORK
Bloodwork to assess inflammation and rule out other conditions
PHYSICAL EXAM
Joint exams to identify signs like dactylitis or enthesitis
NAIL CHECKS
Nail checks for telltale signs of PsA
IMAGING
X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to evaluate joint damage or early inflammation
Because PsA can mimic other forms of arthritis—or appear subtly—our team draws on deep experience to make an accurate diagnosis that leads to effective care.
Treatment Options at Piedmont Arthritis
Our goal is to get inflammation under control, relieve your symptoms, and protect your joints and skin for the long term. We develop personalized plans tailored to your specific symptoms and overall health.
Your plan may include:
DMARDs
to slow or stop disease progression
Biologics or JAK inhibitors,
either self-injected, taken orally, or administered in our on-site infusion suite
Steroid injections
for joint or tendon pain during flares
NSAIDs
for short-term pain relief
Guidance on lifestyle changes
physical therapy referrals, and coordination with your dermatologist if needed
We take a “treat-to-target” approach, adjusting treatment as needed to reach low disease activity or remission.
Getting Started With Care
If you have psoriasis and are experiencing joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, talk with your doctor. A referral is required to become a patient at Piedmont Arthritis Clinic.
Appointments are typically booked 4 to 5 months in advance, but urgent cases may be prioritized. Once we receive your referral, we’ll guide you through the next steps.
A Partner in Your PsA Journey
Psoriatic Arthritis may be complex, but you don’t have to manage it alone. At Piedmont Arthritis Clinic, we combine compassionate care with clinical excellence—helping you take control of your symptoms and live life with greater comfort and confidence.