Psoriatic arthritis: Signs and symptoms

Psoriatic nails
People who get psoriatic arthritis often see nail pitting (shown here) or a nail separating from the nail bed.
Swollen joint, left knee
One of the first signs of psoriatic arthritis is often a swollen joint, most commonly in a hand, foot, or knee.
Swollen tendon
A swollen and painful Achilles tendon, shown here on the right leg, is often a sign of psoriatic arthritis.
Sausage digit
Psoriatic arthritis can cause a finger or toe to swell dramatically. The swollen finger or toe is called a sausage digit.
Heel pain
Some people who have psoriatic arthritis develop intense heel pain. This pain can make walking difficult.
Joint destruction
In some people, psoriatic arthritis destroys the joints. Early treatment helps prevent this.
Stiff joints
Stiffness is a common symptom. It happens when you wake up or sit still for hours. The stiffness disappears as you move, but it can last 30 to 45 minutes or longer.
Swollen joints
When joints swell, they may feel tender or painful, but not always.

How to recognize psoriatic arthritis

For most people, psoriatic arthritis develops years after psoriasis. If you have psoriasis and any of these signs and symptoms, tell your dermatologist:

A very noticeable swollen finger or toe.
Swollen and tender joints.
Stiffness when you wake up or sit for hours; stiffness fades as you move.
Nails that are pitted.
Nail separating from nail bed.
Lower back pain.
Heel pain.
Swelling on the back of your leg above your heel.

Learn more about psoriatic arthritis

Images 1, 2, and 8, used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;63:733-48.

Image 4 used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides.

Images 5 and 7 used with permission of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, J Am Acad Dermatol 2008;58:851-64.

Find a Dermatologist

ZIP code:
Radius:
	Search

Advanced search »

Dermatology A to Z

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z