Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition leading to inflammation of skin, joints, tendons, and nails. Typically, skin problems are experienced first, followed by joint pain, swelling, or stiffness years later. However, these symptoms don't follow a set pattern in everyone. The severity of psoriatic arthritis varies greatly. Mild symptoms are experienced by some, while others struggle with excruciating pain affecting their daily routines. Certain individuals witness constant symptoms, whereas they come and go in others. Suddenly worsening symptoms are termed a flare.

Although the severity and frequency of symptoms vary significantly, acknowledging them in their early stages can reduce the risk of future joint damage. The most common early signs and symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include skin rashes (psoriasis), characterized by red patches or plaques with silvery scales often present on the scalp, elbows, knees, or around the ears. Fatigue and troublesome, swollen joints, impacting fingers, toes, wrists, knees, and ankles, are also notable signs. Additionally, psoriatic arthritis may lead to stiffness, reducing the range of motion and swelling of certain digits - a symptom known as dactylitis.

Nail problems, pain in the heel or foot (enthesitis), inflammation of the eyes (uveitis), and even back pain, due to spondylitis, are also indicative of psoriatic arthritis. If not treated well or left untreated, the condition can lead to severe joint damage causing permanent disfigurement. In extreme cases, psoriatic arthritis may cause bone and joint destruction leading to "arthritis mutilans," a condition where the fingers and toes are shortened or retracted, causing the joints to be excessively mobile and nonfunctional.

Roughly 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, and early and effective treatment can both prevent severe damage and lower the risk of heart disease, a condition to which people with psoriatic arthritis are prone. Individuals with psoriasis showing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis should consult a doctor at the earliest.

To connect with others who have psoriatic arthritis and seek assistance, organizations such as CreakyJoints, Talk Psoriasis sponsored by the National Psoriasis Foundation, and Live Yes! Arthritis Network sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation can be a useful resource repository.