Empowering Yourself: Coping with Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects individuals who have psoriasis, a skin disorder characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriatic arthritis typically develops in people who already have psoriasis, but in some cases, joint problems can occur before the skin symptoms become evident. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints, leading to significant discomfort and reduced mobility for those affected. The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Certain genes may make individuals more susceptible to developing the condition, and triggers such as infections, injuries, or stress can activate the immune system, leading to inflammation in the joints. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, meaning that the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis...