What is psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin and nail disease characterized by red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. The disease is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in symptoms, characterize…

http://www.uchicagokidshospital.org/online-library/content=P01727

Psoriatic arthritis is a specific condition in which a person has both psoriasis and arthritis.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/psoriatic_arthritis/page2_em.htm

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that is almost always associated with a skin disease called psoriasis. There are five different subtypes of the joint disease: anything from just a few swollen fingers and toes to more se…

http://nbc4-tv.healthology.com/psoriasis/article1153.htm

Related Questions Answered on Y!Answers

I have psoriatic arthritis and take prednisolone. What are the long term effects of taking prednisolone?

Q: I am slightly concerned about long term use of the drug prednisolone, prescribed for arthritis. Also how my condition may develop in future. I have psoriatic arthritis.

A: The longer you take it and the higher the dose generally the more side effects.Fluid weight gain can be a problem around the stomach, back of neck and rounding of the face.It can make your skin thinner – hence bruise easier.Also can deplete bone density – more of a concern for women.Can also make you very awake, kind of hyper feeling.It is a widely used drug, and not much negative feedback.

What is the cure for psoriatic arthritis?

Q: I know someone with psoriatic arthritis. What is the cure? Please don’t waste my time with anecdotal evidence from anonymous people who drink expensive imported juice and claim to be healed. What treatments and cures are available? What science is behind the remedies?

A: I do not believe there is a cure because it is caused by immune system problems. However, an arthritis specialist can prescribe medication that will help a lot. See a specialist in immune system and arthritis.

Looking for naturopaths who could treat psoriatic arthritis in Sacramento without Enbrel?

Q: My young son is on Enbrel for arthritis. His uncle had psoriatic arthritis also and had been on Enbrel for 3 years, then had cancer 3 months ago. He died last week from it. His doctors thought Enbrel caused the cancer. We’re looking for doctors to give alternative treatment without Enbrel.

A: Enbrel is a strong drug, potentially taking away too much of the immune reaction. You would be better off with antibiotics.Rheumatic diseases are the result of a defective gene and collagen inflammation, often from a chronic infection. Collagen is present throughout the body, from the eyes, skin and joints to the heart. Hence, the multiplicity of symptoms, depending on the location of the most affected internal organs or body parts.I have had seronegative rheumatoid arthritis for 27 years. The telling signs of seronegative rheumatoid arthritis are the following:- Joint pain in the feet (or cracking ankles) in the early 20’s or late teens;- Fatigue, especially after a moderate exercise like a 30 minute walk;- Blood test showing a negative or low level of Rheumatoid factor;- Joint deformities of the fingers, after a few years, a specific sign of rheumatoid arthritis;- Consecutive X-Rays, over several years, showing bone erosion, a consequence of rheumatoid arthritis;- Generalized arthritis, involving the whole body;- Elevated levels of C-Reactive protein and Sedimentation rate, as evidenced in blood tests.NSAIDs like Voltaren, COX-2 inhibitors like Celebrex, acetaminophen like Tylenol, and codeine are all used to control inflammation and relieve the pain of arthritis.Regular exercise like walking, biking and swimming is also helpful for most patients. Make sure that you are not overweight as carrying too much weight can only increase the pain of arthritis in the supporting joints of the hips, knees, ankles and feet.For any form of arthritis, you should consult an Orthopaedist who will order blood tests, joint scans and X-Rays to better diagnose the type of arthritis from which you suffer.The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons at http://www.aaos.org maintains a public online directory where you can find the address and phone number of orthopaedists who belong to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Orthopaedists are listed by geographic location and family name, inside the USA and in most countries.The membership directory of the AAOS is located at:http://www6.aaos.org/about/public/members.cfmLyme disease could be a possibility. Ask your doctor to test you for the bacteria causing Lyme disease.Are there any other cases of arthritis or rheumatic diseases among your relatives? Chronic forms of arthritis are usually prevalent in families where a defective gene is passed on by parents to their children.There are a few hundred types of arthritis and rheumatic diseases. The good news is that science is progressing rapidly in its understanding of rheumatic diseases.Antibiotics are now used to achieve full remissions for at least 40%, if not 65% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. For more info, please join the antibio group at:http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/antibio