When psoriatic arthritis is suspected, doctors will generally perform a number of tests to rule out other conditions. There is, however, no single specific test to help medical professionals arrive at a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis.

Some of the tests patients with suspected psoriatic arthritis can expect to undergo include such things as:

• A basic, thorough examination – This will include a family history to determine a connection and also an exam to see if psoriasis is present. Inflammation in one or more joint will also be looked for. It is often difficult to distinguish between rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic, so doctors will look for the connection with psoriasis in both the patient and his or her family.
• Blood tests – A battery of blood tests to look for such things as rheumatoid factor will likely be conducted, as well.

Treatment Of Psoriatic Arthritis

As it is with most other forms of arthritis, the psoriatic type is treated on a symptomatic basis. Doctors will treat both conditions, however. Some common treatment options include such things as:

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the stiffness and pain;
• Disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs to stop damage from happening;
• Injected steroids to reduce symptoms in individual joints;
• Ointments to treat psoriasis of the skin.

Doctors may also recommend a number of home care methods to help reduce pain and inflammation, they include such things as:

• Weight loss and maintenance – This can help lessen the stress on joints and increase mobility.
• Exercise – This can assist in reducing the fatigue and pain often associated with arthritis. It can also help maintain range of motion.
• Heat and cold packs – These can assist in lessening the pain in specific joints.

The exact methods to treat this condition will depend on the specific case at hand. Some patients will require very little medical assistance, but others might find symptoms so severe that drug regimens will become necessary. In extreme cases, surgery might be recommended to correct some of the damage caused by psoriatic arthritis.

This article was written be Jon Green.

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