Psoriasis is a common skin condition, which causes rapid skin cell production. Psoriasis results in red dry patches, skin scales and dry patches from the rapid build-up of skin cells.

Normally psoriasis affects the skin of knees, scalp and elbows. The most frequently asked question by people affected by psoriasis is can psoriasis affect my joints? The answer for this question is yes. There are many chances that psoriasis may affect the joints of a patient.  Research shows that 10 to 35% of the people get affected by psoriasis and have joint problems also.

Psoriasis arthritis: It is the joint disease that is combined with psoriasis. Patients affected by psoriasis arthritis may have inflammation of any joints. This condition generally affects the joints of knee, hands, and ankles.

The normal age at which people get affected by psoriasis arthritis is between 30 and 40 years of age. In most of the cases there will be skin symptoms before the onset of the joint problems.

Causes and symptoms for Psoriasis arthritis: The major cause for psoriasis affecting the joints is still unknown. Medical history shows that the cause may be genetic, the level of immunity and environmental factors. Changes in the immune system are considered as one of the main cause for psoriasis arthritis. Psoriasis that affects the joints is a type of destructive form of arthritis.

The main symptom for psoriasis arthritis is the inflammation of one or two joints at a time. The joints that are inflamed become swollen, hot, red and painful. Joint stiffness is also a symptom for this medical condition. The stiffness is more prevalent early in the morning. The other symptoms are pain and stiffness in the buttocks, neck, upper back and lower back.

Treatment for psoriasis arthritis: The treatment given for psoriasis arthritis is a combination of anti inflammatory medications and physical exercise. In spite of this treatment if the inflammation and joint destruction occurs then methotrexate, antimalarial and corticosteroids are used to treat them.

Physical exercises can be done at home but if the joint pain is very severe then you can approach a physical therapist to guide you in doing correct form of exercises. Hot showers and heat applications are also used to relax the muscles. Treatment should be taken properly to get better results.