Do you ever wonder if your joint pain is due to rheumatoid arthritis or psoriatic arthritis? Here, Dr. Siddharth Tambar, a specialist in Orthopedic Regenerative Medicine and Rheumatology, explains the differences between these two autoimmune conditions and why early diagnosis is essential.
Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks your joints, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness. It usually begins in smaller joints like your fingers and wrists, often affecting both sides of the body symmetrically. Psoriatic arthritis, however, is also autoimmune but linked to the skin condition psoriasis. In addition to joint inflammation, psoriatic arthritis can affect tendons and cause skin issues like red, scaly patches.
Key Differences Between RA and Psoriatic Arthritis
While both conditions cause joint pain, they differ in presentation. Rheumatoid arthritis typically affects small joints in a symmetric pattern, whereas psoriatic arthritis can vary, sometimes affecting only one joint or even the spine. A classic sign of psoriatic arthritis is “sausage digits,” where fingers or toes swell due to tendon inflammation. Additionally, psoriatic arthritis often presents with visible skin changes from psoriasis, like red patches and nail pitting, while rheumatoid arthritis mainly involves joint pain and swelling.
Over time, these conditions may lead to joint damage. Psoriatic arthritis can cause both bone destruction and new bone growth, whereas rheumatoid arthritis often leads to bone erosion, which can be seen on imaging tests. If you’re in Chicago, IL, our rheumatoid arthritis treatment is available to help manage these effects.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis requires a tailored approach. For rheumatoid arthritis, doctors often see a classic presentation with swelling in small joints and can use blood tests for antibodies like the rheumatoid factor. In contrast, diagnosing psoriatic arthritis often relies on physical symptoms, including skin and nail changes from psoriasis. Blood tests help rule out other conditions, but no single test can confirm psoriatic arthritis.
Both conditions benefit from treatments that reduce inflammation and prevent joint damage, including disease-modifying medications and biologic treatments. Specialized rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Chicago, IL, focuses on individualized care plans.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Without treatment, both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can lead to long-term complications. Rheumatoid arthritis can cause joint deformities and even impact organs like the heart and lungs. Psoriatic arthritis can harm tendons and ligaments and may lead to metabolic issues, increasing the risk of diabetes or heart disease. Chronic inflammation from either condition heightens the risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes over time.
When to See a Doctor
If you experience joint pain, swelling, or morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, or notice skin changes like red patches, it’s essential to consult a specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and improve quality of life. Consider attending a live webinar to learn more about managing arthritis.
If you’re looking for expert rheumatoid arthritis treatment in Chicago, IL, visit Chicago Arthritis to explore options.
Live well, and take control of your joint health!