About Psoriatic Arthritis in the Elbow
Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis similar to rheumatoid arthritis. It affects individuals with psoriasis, an autoimmune disorder characterized by red and scaly patches on the skin.
This form of elbow arthritis causes inflammation of the joints, swelling, and pain in the affected areas. It can also affect other parts of the body, including the spine, fingers, and toes.
People with psoriatic arthritis may have mild to severe symptoms, which can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Treatment generally includes lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, along with medications to reduce inflammation and control pain.
How Does Psoriatic Arthritis Affect the Elbow?
You may experience the following symptoms with psoriatic arthritis in the elbow:
- Elbow joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Redness and warmth
- Limited range of motion
- Joint deformity
- Tenderness when moving or applying pressure to the joint
- Formation of small nodules on the skin around the joint
Causes of Psoriatic Arthritis in Elbow
Psoriatic arthritis occurs when your immune system attacks the healthy cells of your joint. Although anyone can develop psoriatic arthritis, there are several risk factors that can increase your chances of it developing.
The following lists some of the risk factors of psoriatic arthritis:
- Genetics: People who have a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis are more likely to develop the condition themselves.
- Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental triggers, such as smoking, stress, and infections, can increase your risk of developing psoriatic arthritis.
- Age: Psoriatic arthritis is most commonly diagnosed in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
- Gender: Women seem to be at a slightly higher risk than men for developing psoriatic arthritis.
- Psoriasis: Having skin psoriasis increases your risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. Up to 30% of people with this skin disorder will eventually develop associated joint problems.
How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed?
Psoriatic arthritis can be diagnosed by your doctor through one of more of the following methods:
- X-Ray: X-rays can detect psoriatic arthritis by detecting joint changes, such as erosion and the formation of new bone.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An MRI scan can detect psoriatic arthritis by showing areas of inflammation in the joints, tendons, and ligaments.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasounds can detect psoriatic arthritis by detecting the thickening of the synovial membrane or fluid buildup in the affected area.
- Blood Tests: A blood test can detect psoriatic arthritis by measuring levels of certain proteins that indicate inflammation. Testing for rheumatoid factor (RF) would usually distinguish rheumatoid arthritis from psoriatic arthritis.
- Joint Fluid Analysis: A joint fluid analysis can detect psoriatic arthritis by testing for an excess of white blood cells in the joint fluid, which is an indication of inflammation.
- Physical Exam: A physical exam can detect psoriatic arthritis by looking for signs like swelling and tenderness around the joints and checking range of motion.
Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment
Treatment for psoriatic arthritis generally includes lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, along with medications to reduce inflammation and control pain. The following treatments may be recommended by your doctor:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are used to reduce pain and inflammation associated with psoriatic arthritis. They can also be used to reduce the swelling of affected joints.
- Disease Modifying AntiRheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs are used to slow down the progression of joint damage by decreasing the body’s immune response that causes inflammation.
- Biologic medications: Biologic medications are made from living cells that help reduce inflammation and block certain proteins related to psoriatic arthritis.
- Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids can be taken orally or injected into inflamed areas to control inflammation and provide relief from symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy helps keep joints flexible, reduces pain, and increases range of motion through stretching and strengthening exercises.
- Topical Treatments: Topical treatments such as creams, ointments, gels, and lotions can be applied directly to affected areas of skin in order to reduce itching and redness caused by psoriasis.
- Joint injections: Joint injections provide temporary relief from pain by delivering a corticosteroid directly into the affected joint in order to reduce inflammation and relieve discomfort.
Takeaway
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease that can affect any joint in your body, including your elbow joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and joint stiffness. Although treatment will not cure the condition, it is essential to prevent long-term joint damage.
Book Your Appointment Today
If you are experiencing elbow pain, do not hesitate to contact us at Georgia Hand, Shoulder & Elbow. We have offices located in Marietta and Atlanta, GA. Schedule an appointment with us today to begin your healing journey and get back to doing what you love!
