Psoriatic spondylitis may also cause joint pain in the arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Psoriatic spondylitis is often asymmetrical, meaning it affects only one side of the body.
HLA-B27 is the gene that predisposes people to several autoimmune diseases.
Illustration by Brianna Gilmartin, Verywell
The doctor may request X-rays or an MRI of the spine.
X-rays generally look for abnormalities of the spine and sacroiliac joints.
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) can offer a closer look at the joints.
Bloodwork can determine if someone carries the HLA-B27 gene.
The presence of this gene, along with imaging and symptoms, generally confirms a diagnosis.
It is important to note that no blood or imaging tests can definitivelydiagnose psoriatic arthritis.
The diagnosis requires clinical expertise and the exclusion of all other possible causes of the symptoms.
Additionally,corticosteroid injectionsmay help by bringing down inflammation.
This includes using disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate or biologic drugs like Cosentyx (secukinumab).
Physical and occupational therapy are also recommended to protect joints and maintain the optimal range of motion.
It’s important to seek support from friends, family, and medical professionals.
Not everyone with PsA will see multiple organs affected.
Yes, it is possible to have both.
Many people with autoimmune disease have more than one throw in.
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