Psoriatic Arthritis diagnosis & treatment in Bhubaneswar
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic autoimmune arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis — the immune system attacks both the joints and the skin, causing inflammation, pain and stiffness.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
when psoriasis involves the joints
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, a skin condition causing red, scaly patches.
- In PsA, the immune system attacks both the joints and the skin, leading to inflammation, pain and stiffness.
- It often occurs in people with psoriasis — most people with PsA have a history of psoriasis.
- Without timely care, PsA can result in joint damage, deformity and reduced mobility.
Signs & symptoms
what PsA looks and feels like
- Joint pain, swelling and stiffness, often worse in the morning.
- Sausage-like swelling of fingers and toes (dactylitis).
- Spine involvement causing back pain or stiffness (spondylitis).
- Nail changes such as pitting, ridges, discoloration or nail lifting.
- Reduced range of motion in affected joints.
- Fatigue and general tiredness.
- Skin symptoms: red, scaly patches of psoriasis may appear or worsen.
- Enthesitis: inflammation where tendons or ligaments attach to bone (commonly heels or elbows).
Watch: OARC video on arthritis symptoms (opens YouTube)
Joint pain along with psoriasis or nail changes? See a rheumatologist early — early diagnosis and proper treatment help prevent joint destruction.
Book AppointmentWhat causes
psoriatic arthritis?
The common causes and risk factors of psoriatic arthritis (PsA):
- Immune system dysfunction — the immune system mistakenly attacks joints and skin, causing inflammation.
- Psoriasis — most people with PsA have a history of psoriasis; skin flares may trigger joint involvement.
- Genetic predisposition — family history of psoriasis or PsA increases risk.
- Environmental triggers — infections, injuries or stress may trigger the onset in susceptible individuals.
- Age and gender — typically develops in adults between 30 and 50 years, affecting men and women equally.
- Other autoimmune conditions — sometimes associated with other autoimmune disorders.
Psoriatic arthritis
at a glance
PsA can affect the fingers, toes, spine, knees, hips and the tendons and ligaments.
Untreated PsA can lead to joint damage, deformity, reduced mobility and increased cardiovascular risk — treatment includes medications (NSAIDs, DMARDs, biologics), physiotherapy, lifestyle management and regular monitoring.
How psoriatic arthritis
is diagnosed
Diagnosis rests on your history, examination and the pattern of symptoms — blood tests mainly help rule out other types of arthritis.
The doctor checks for joint pain, swelling, stiffness, skin psoriasis and nail changes. Family history matters too — PsA is more likely if there is a family history of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis.
Blood tests help rule out other types of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis) and check for inflammation markers.
X-rays, MRI or ultrasound are used to detect joint inflammation, bone changes or damage.
Doctors look for specific signs such as asymmetric joint involvement, dactylitis (sausage fingers or toes), spine inflammation, or enthesitis (tendon or ligament inflammation).
Watch: more on psoriatic arthritis from OARC (opens YouTube)
How psoriatic arthritis
is treated
Medications
NSAIDs reduce joint pain and inflammation. DMARDs (e.g. Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine) slow disease progression and prevent joint damage. Biologics (e.g. TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors) target specific immune pathways to control inflammation.
Physical therapy & exercise
Physiotherapy and regular exercise help maintain joint flexibility, strength and mobility.
Lifestyle & skin care
A balanced diet, regular exercise, avoiding smoking, stress management and protecting affected joints all support treatment. The psoriasis itself is treated with topical creams or medications as needed.
Regular monitoring
Ongoing check-ups assess joint health and help prevent long-term complications. Review visits with the OARC rheumatology team run Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM and 4:30–9:00 PM. Call +91 93386 53086 or book online.
How OARC Can Help?
At OARC, we offer holistic care to patients suffering from all kinds of arthritis and autoimmune diseases by our renowned rheumatologists. Because of the chronic nature of the disease, we spend time with the patient helping them to know about their disease, and demystify the myths regarding the disease and treatment. We have collaboration with an NABL accredited laboratory where all kinds of blood tests can be done at reasonable costs. We also have a patient support system which patients can approach in case of any emergency. We believe in a friendly relation with patients so that they can share all their sufferings and get the best possible treatment.
- Best doctors to treat
- State-of-the-art clinic
- All facilities available under one roof
- NABL accredited laboratory
- Same-day test results
- Convenient location
What happens if PsA
is left untreated?
If psoriatic arthritis is left untreated, the inflammation in joints and tendons can progressively worsen, leading to permanent joint damage, deformity and reduced mobility. Chronic inflammation may also affect the spine and entheses (where tendons and ligaments attach to bone), causing stiffness, pain and functional limitations. Untreated PsA can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, metabolic issues and decreased quality of life. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial to control symptoms, prevent joint destruction and maintain daily functioning.
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is my joint pain related to my psoriasis?
- Which medicines — DMARDs or biologics — are right for me?
- How will treatment for my skin and my joints be coordinated?
- What exercises or physiotherapy will help protect my joints?
- How often will I need check-ups and monitoring tests?
Frequently Asked Questions
psoriatic arthritis care in Odisha
Meet the rheumatologist
behind your care
Dr. Jyoti Ranjan Parida
Dr. Parida founded OARC and has brought dedicated specialist rheumatology care to Odisha since 2014. He heads the clinic’s rheumatology team — with fellow rheumatologist Dr. Debashis Maikap — at the Bhubaneswar centre, where consultations run Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM–2:00 PM and 4:30–9:00 PM.