Psoriatic Arthritis

4 MIN READ· PHYSICIAN-REVIEWED· UPDATED 2026

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that occurs in some people with psoriasis, causing joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and sometimes nail and skin changes. At Premier Rheumatology in Boca Raton, FL and Queens, NY, our rheumatologists treat psoriatic arthritis with current biologic and targeted-synthetic therapies — including TNF inhibitors, IL-17 inhibitors, IL-23 inhibitors, and JAK inhibitors — with on-site biologic infusion therapy available in our Boca Raton office.

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects some individuals with psoriasis. It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, and may also involve the skin, nails, and other tissues. The severity and pattern of psoriatic arthritis can vary widely, ranging from mild joint discomfort to more persistent inflammation that affects daily function.

Because symptoms may fluctuate and overlap with other joint conditions, early evaluation and ongoing management are important. With appropriate care, many patients are able to control symptoms and maintain mobility over time.

What Is Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory arthritis in which the immune system contributes to inflammation in the joints and surrounding structures. It is associated with psoriasis, a condition characterized by patches of inflamed skin, although joint symptoms may appear before skin changes in some individuals.

Unlike purely degenerative joint disease, psoriatic arthritis is driven by immune-mediated inflammation. It may affect joints asymmetrically and can involve the fingers, toes, spine, or larger joints.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis may include:

Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
Morning stiffness or stiffness after inactivity
Swelling of entire fingers or toes (often described as “sausage-like”)
Changes in fingernails or toenails, such as pitting or thickening
Reduced range of motion
Fatigue

Symptom patterns can vary over time, with periods of increased inflammation and relative improvement.

What Causes Psoriatic Arthritis?

The exact cause is not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute:

Immune system dysregulation leading to joint and tissue inflammation
Genetic predisposition
Presence of psoriasis
Environmental triggers, such as infections or physical stress

These factors may interact differently in each person, influencing disease onset and progression.

How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

Review of medical history, including skin and nail changes
Physical examination of joints and soft tissues
Laboratory tests to assess inflammation and exclude other conditions
Imaging studies to evaluate joint involvement and structural changes

Because symptoms may resemble other forms of arthritis, careful assessment is important.

Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis

Treatment is individualized and may include:

Anti-inflammatory strategies to help reduce pain and swelling
Medications that target immune-related inflammation when appropriate
Advanced therapies for patients with ongoing disease activity
Infusion-based treatments in select cases
Physical therapy and exercise programs to support joint flexibility and strength

Management plans are often adjusted over time based on symptom response and disease activity.

When to See a Rheumatologist

Consider evaluation by a rheumatologist if you experience:

Persistent joint pain or swelling with a history of psoriasis
Stiffness that interferes with daily activities
Swelling of fingers or toes
Symptoms that do not improve with basic measures

Early assessment may help clarify the diagnosis and guide treatment.

Our Approach to Treating Psoriatic Arthritis

We take a personalized approach to managing psoriatic arthritis, focusing on controlling inflammation, supporting joint health, and addressing individual symptoms. Ongoing monitoring allows treatment plans to be adjusted as needed.

For patients who may benefit from advanced or infusion-based therapies, these options are provided in a coordinated and closely monitored setting. Our goal is to support long-term disease management and overall quality of life.

Schedule a Consultation

If joint pain or stiffness is affecting your daily activities, scheduling a consultation can help determine whether psoriatic arthritis or another condition may be contributing to your symptoms.

Available on-site in Boca Raton

On-site biologic & IV infusion therapy

Receive your infusion treatment in the same office where you see your rheumatologist — no separate infusion-center referral needed.

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Common questions

Frequently asked

Do I need to have psoriasis to get psoriatic arthritis?+

Most patients have psoriasis first, but joint symptoms can appear before skin changes in some people. A family history of psoriasis is also a risk factor even if your own skin is clear.

How is psoriatic arthritis different from rheumatoid arthritis?+

Psoriatic arthritis often affects joints asymmetrically, can involve whole fingers or toes ('sausage digits'), affects the spine, and includes nail and skin changes. Lab markers are typically different.

What treatments work best?+

Treatment is highly individualized. Many patients respond well to biologics targeting TNF, IL-17, or IL-23, or to JAK inhibitors. Methotrexate is still used in many cases. The right plan depends on which joints, skin, and other tissues are involved.

Will treatment also help my psoriasis?+

Often yes. Biologics used for psoriatic arthritis frequently improve skin psoriasis as well, which simplifies care.

Can psoriatic arthritis damage my joints permanently?+

Untreated, yes — inflammation can lead to erosions and deformity. With timely, appropriate treatment, most patients preserve joint structure and function.

Do I need an infusion or are pills enough?+

Many treatments are pills or self-injections. Some biologics are given IV — we offer those on-site in Boca Raton so you do not need to travel to a separate infusion center.