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Psoriatic arthritis Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about psoriatic arthritis

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

What will happen to my nails?

The majority of people with psoriatic arthritis will get some nail changes. The severity of changes varies between people.

Explanation

Nail changes affect up to 80 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis. However, the severity of these changes will vary from person to person. Some people will only get mild nail changes, with a small amount of pitting (small depressions in the surface of the nail), discolouration and nail peeling, while others will be affected more severely. The number of nails affected will also vary between people.

Nail changes are caused by abnormalities in the tissue under your nail and may include:

  • brittle nails
  • pitting
  • discolouration
  • peeling of the nail from the nailbed (onycholysis)
  • nail thickening
  • ridges along nails

It's important to start treatment for psoriatic arthritis as soon as possible to try to control the condition. Although you may be very conscious of nail changes, they are often less noticeable to other people.

Further information

Sources

  • Psoriatic arthritis - did you know? The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance. www.paalliance.org, accessed 3 March 2008
  • What is psoriatic arthritis? The Psoriasis Association. www.psoriasis-association.org.uk, accessed 3 March 2008
  • What treatments will be used for my skin? Arthritis Research Campaign. www.arc.org.uk accessed 3 March 2008
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I have psoriatic arthritis. I know I should exercise but I don't like swimming. What else can I try?

It's vital to exercise if you have psoriatic arthritis. Swimming isn't your only option.

Explanation

If you have psoriatic arthritis, exercise is very important to keep your muscles strong, your joints mobile and to relieve pain and stiffness. Regular exercise can prevent further damage if you have a loss of function in some joints. However, it's also important to get enough rest. Getting a balance between exercise and rest is the key. Get advice from your doctor or physiotherapist about the right sort of exercise for you.

Swimming is universally regarded as the ideal type of exercise for most forms of arthritis. However, for people with extensive or severe psoriasis swimming could increase the risk of skin infections. So, other low-impact exercises may be more suitable. It's best to have a programme of different types of exercise tailored to you. This should include the following.

  • Strengthening exercises: your physiotherapist, occupational therapist or doctor can recommend exercises to target muscles around affected joints and improve stability and mobility.
  • Range of movement exercises: these help keep you flexible and mobile. They involve moving your joints through their full range of movement and trying to move a little further beyond this. Get advice on what would be best for you. Build up slowly and aim to do these exercises in each joint of your body every day. Start at the extremities and work inwards. If you are pushed for time, concentrate on the joints affected by arthritis, try doing them in blocks of five to 10 minutes.
  • Aerobic exercise: there are real benefits from general aerobic exercise - that's anything that increases your heart rate and makes you slightly out of breath. This type of exercise can help reduce pain, and also improve your general health and wellbeing. Again, it's best to get specific advice from a doctor or physiotherapist. If you don't like swimming, your doctor or physiotherapist may recommend that you try walking, cycling or dancing. Everyday activities like gardening and housework may also help.

As well as getting tailored advice from your doctor or physiotherapist, there are some general points to consider when exercising if you have psoriatic arthritis.

  • Try to make exercise part of your daily routine and build up slowly.
  • Before exercising it can be helpful to have a warm bath or shower, use a warming spray or a dry, warm pack on affected joints.
  • Never force a joint. It's normal to feel some pain as you build up your exercise programme. If any pain lasts for longer than two hours after exercising, contact your doctor.
  • Try cooling sprays or ice packs to prevent soreness.
  • Always wear cushioned and supportive footwear.

Further information

Sources

  • Physiotherapy and exercise. The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance www.paalliance.org, June 2007
  • How much rest and exercise should I take? Psoriatic arthritis, Arthritis Research Campaign www.arc.org.uk, September 2007
  • Activity and exercise. Arthritis Research Campaign www.arc.org.uk, downloaded 5 November 2007
  • Living with psoriatic arthritis. American College of Rheumatology www.rheumatology.org, May 2004
  • Keeping active. Arthritis Care www.arthritiscare.org.uk, August 2007
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Does psoriatic arthritis run in families? If I have it, will my children get it?

It's not strictly hereditary but there are genetic links.

Explanation

The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis isn't known. However, research suggests that genetics, and probably environmental factors play a part. Up to 40 percent of people with psoriatic arthritis have a family history of psoriasis or arthritis. There is evidence that something, possibly an infection, triggers psoriatic arthritis in people with a family history of the condition.

If you have psoriatic arthritis, your children may be more likely to get it. However, the risk of passing it on is still low. There is some evidence that this type of arthritis is more likely to be passed down on the male side of a family. If you are concerned, talk to your GP or rheumatologist.

Further information

Sources

  • Psoriatic arthritis - did you know? The Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance www.paalliance.org, June 2007
  • Psoriatic arthritis. Arthritis Research Campaign www.arc.org.uk, October 2005
  • What causes psoriatic arthritis? American College of Rheumatology www.rheumatology.org, May 2004
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Related topics

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This information, published by Bupa's health information team, is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008

 

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