The 5 Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Many people do not realize that there are other types of Arthritis besides Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. In fact, there is a type that affects people just the same and it is called Psoriatic Arthritis. This is a type of Arthritis that inflames the joints due to the overactivity of the immune system. A person who develops this condition might have also developed a skin disease that’s also related to the immune system called Psoriasis.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

1. Asymmetric Arthritis

This type of Psoriatic Arthritis is the most common type that affects a person. It does not only cause symptoms to only one joint but other joints as well. However, it does not affect joints that are on both sides of the body. A person with Asymmetric Arthritis may experience swelling of the joints. The joints may also feel warm and tender when they are touched. A person’s hands and toes may also appear like small sausages when you try to observe them. Although this type of Psoriatic Arthritis is common, it is just a mild condition compared to the others. Still, you don’t have to disregard it as it may also lead to disability.

2. Symmetric Arthritis

Symmetric Arthritis is another type of Psoriatic Arthritis. The second most common type, it is the kind that has similarity to Rheumatoid Arthritis. However, the similarity ends with the severity of the deformity each condition brings out. Symmetric Arthritis leads to less deformity compared to Rheumatoid Arthritis. Symmetric Arthritis is also noted for its potential to cause disability to the person with this kind of condition. What are the symptoms that you will most likely experience with Symmetric Arthritis? The painful sensation is the most common and it is centered to certain parts of the body such as the hips, knee, wrists, and ankles on both sides. Other symptoms that may appear are swelling, stiffness, and inflammation which will be visible in at least five joints of the body. This condition mostly affects women than men. When a person who has psoriasis develops Symmetric Arthritis, his or her psoriasis may appear more serious than the usual.

3. Spondylitis

Spondylitis is different compared to the other types of Psoriatic Arthritis because its target part of the body is the spine. It affects the spine by causing inflammation to it. When a person has Spondylitis, he or she may experience stiffness in the neck as well as in the lower back and the joints that connect the spine and the pelvis. Spondylitis can become more painful as it continues to advance and its inflammation can affect spinal vertebrae which may require a person to undergo surgical methods. Compared to other types of Psoriatic Arthritis, Spondylitis can be a bit difficult to be diagnosed.

4. Distal Interphalangeal Predominant

Unlike Spondylitis, Distal Interphalangeal Predominant mostly affects the male population compared to the females. In this condition, distal joints (the joints that are closest to the nails on the hands and the feet) are the parts of the body that are affected. Fingernails and toenails may have ridges and pits and they may appear yellowish-orange in color. This type of Psoriatic Arthritis rarely exists, though.

5. Arthritis Mutilans

Among the five types of Psoriatic Arthritis, Arthritis Mutilans is considered the most disabling. And although it is the least common type, it can cause general weakness. This condition is characterized by the breaking of the small bones in the hands, the feet, and the back and neck. This breaking down is alarming since it may cause deformity and worst pain. Research says that only 1 out of 5 percent of people with Psoriatic Arthritis is diagnosed with Arthritis Mutilans.