psoriatic arthritis

psoriatic arthritis : Psoriatic arthritis causes pain and swelling in some joints and scaly skin patches on some areas of the body. It is related to the skin condition psoriasis.

About 95% of people with psoriatic arthritis have swelling in joints outside the spine, and more than 80% of people with psoriatic arthritis have nail lesions. The course of psoriatic arthritis varies, with most doing reasonably well. Symptoms include: Silver or grey scaly spots on the scalp, elbows, knees and/or lower end of the spine; Pitting of fingernails/toenails; Pain and swelling in one or more joints; Swelling of fingers/toes. The cause for Psoriatic Arthritis is not yet known. It may be partly inherited and the environment might play a role also.

Psoriatic Arthritis Tip:

Reading in bed with Psoriatic Arthritis: Wearing sports braces on the wrists and giving up hard bound books for paperbacks helps. You can rig up the "book holders" for exercise bikes to take to bed if needed. If you have to give up lying down have you tried the lounge pillow? It stands upright and has tapering wings that come forward on both sides for extra support of the arms.