There are five different types of psoriatic arthritis, determined by which parts of the body are affected as well as the extent and severity of inflammation:
Symmetric arthritis
Symmetric arthritis usually affects the same joints on both sides of the body. Usually multiple pairs of joints, such as the right and left knees or right and left elbows, are affected. This type of psoriatic arthritis resembles rheumatoid arthritis, but it’s generally milder.
Asymmetric arthritis
Asymmetric arthritis doesn’t typically affect the same joints on both sides of the body. Usually, it affects the fingers and toes first, which can lead to an enlarged and “sausage-like” appearance. Sometimes a larger joint, like the knee, is also affected.
Distal interphalangeal (DIP) predominant
DIP affects the joints in the fingers and toes closest to the nail; nail changes are common.
Spondylitis
Spondylitis refers to inflammation of the spinal column. Many people with psoriatic arthritis will have stiffness in the neck, lower back, or spinal vertebrae, making motion painful and difficult.
Arthritis mutilans
Arthritis mutilans is a severe, deforming, and destructive form of psoriatic arthritis. It usually affects the small joints at the ends of the hands and feet.
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Treatment Options
There are many different treatments for psoriatic arthritis. Talk to your rheumatologist and discuss a treatment plan that can help you achieve your personal goals, such as living with less joint pain and clearer skin.
Sources: 1. Hammadi AA. Psoriatic arthritis. Medscape. Updated July 15, 2020. Accessed August 10, 2020. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2196539-overview. 2. Gottlieb A, Korman NJ, Gordon KB, et al. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: section 2. Psoriatic arthritis: overview and guidelines of care for treatment with an emphasis on the biologics. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008;58(5)851-864. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.02.040.
