When people hear the words “joint disorder”, the first word to comes to mind is arthritis. Why not? It is one of the numerous joint disorders today. There are many types of arthritis. An example is psoriatic arthritis. It affects 10-30% of people suffering from the skin illness to psoriasis. This type of arthritis commonly attacks people from the ages 30-50, but it has also been known to attack young and, even, children. Men and women are equally affected by this condition.

People suffering from this kind of arthritis will most likely suffer from nail lesions by the pitting of one’s nails, while in severe cases, the nails may be lost. This condition will cause the joints to inflame. It can also cause tendonitis and a sausage-like swelling of the fingers known as dactylitis.

The treatment of the condition is directed on the affected area of inflammation. Diclofenac and Naproxen are usually the first kinds of medication to be given to the patient. Other treatments include joint injections with Corticosteroid, if only a number joints are affected. The second line of treatment is initiated if the first medications will not work. Along with the first kind of medication and treatments, Immunosuppressant is added into the mix, such as Metothexrate or Leflunomide. The second kind of medication is so strong that as a result, psoriasis is also treated. However, it is very important that the sufferer’s class of this kind of arthritis is known. Not only does this make treatment much faster, but also other parts of the body suffering from the disease will also been identified and treated as well.

The condition comes in several types. Depending on which type of arthritis, the amount and strength of the treatment the person will receive will be as follows:

* Symmetric – either side of the body’s joints are affected
* Asymmetric – only affects one side of the body
* Arthritis mutilans – a more severe type, deforming, and destructive type
* Spondylitis – similar to asymmetric, but targets the spine, neck, hands, and feet
* Distal interphalangeal predominant – joints near the fingers or toe tips are inflamed and stiff

A new type of medicine is now made available. These are called Tumor Necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors from recombinant DNA technology. These are usually reserved for the most severe cases. Whatever type of psoriatic arthritis one may suffer, it is not the end of the world. It can sill be treated and cured. All one needs is a trip to the doctor and a handful of knowledge.