What causes psoriatic arthritis and what are psoriatic arthritis symptoms?

Psoriatic arthritis affects your body inside and out.

The causes of psoriatic arthritis aren’t fully known, but many experts believe it’s a combination of factors, which may include genetics as well as infections or extreme stress that triggers the immune system into overdrive in people who are genetically more likely to get the disease.

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Immune system

Some people with psoriatic arthritis may have too much of a protein called tumor necrosis factor (TNF)

TNF contributes to inflammation in the joints, which can lead to the pain and stiffness of psoriatic arthritis

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Genetics

Psoriatic arthritis tends to run in families

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Environment

Infections, particularly streptococci and staphylococci

Physical injury

What are symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?

While psoriatic arthritis symptoms vary from person to person, they commonly affect skin and joints. However, psoriasis symptoms usually come first. In fact, 30% of people with psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. Symptoms like red, scaly patches can appear on any part of your body. However, some people have few or no skin symptoms at all.

Joint tenderness, swelling, and stiffness can follow years after skin symptoms start. And over time, if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage.

Other psoriatic arthritis symptoms may include:

  • Pitting of the nails or separation from the nail bed
  • Pain and stiffness in the neck and lower back
  • Morning stiffness
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Painful, sausage-like swelling in fingers and/or toes

What you may see on the outside. What you may feel on the inside.

Infographic of Psoriatic Arthritis symptoms outside and inside of a female body
Quick Poll

Did you know that treating psoriatic arthritis in a timely fashion can help prevent further irreversible joint damage?

Did you know that treating psoriatic arthritis in a timely fashion can help prevent further irreversible joint damage?

If joint pain keeps you from doing things like getting dressed or daily activities, it's important to let your rheumatologist know. Take advantage of this resource to help you get the conversation started.


When PsA symptoms regularly affect you

If joint pain keeps you from doing things like getting dressed or daily activities, it's important to let your rheumatologist know. Take advantage of our tools to help you get the conversation started.

Almost 50% of patients not on therapy will have joint damage within the first two years of diagnosis.

Progression of joint damage over time

©2015 American College of Rheumatology. Used with permission.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease, so the treatment focus is on controlling symptoms and helping to prevent further irreversible damage to your joints.


Explore your psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment options. Learn about a once-daily pill for active PsA. Explore your psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment options. Learn about a once-daily pill for active PsA. Explore your psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treatment options. Learn about a once-daily pill for active PsA.