• Arthritis
• Psoriatic Arthritis
• Psoriasis

What are the Early Warning Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Published: May 27, 2025
Updated: May 27, 2025
4 mins

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by large red or purple patches of scaly plaques on the surface of the skin. Those with psoriasis may also develop psoriatic arthritis — an autoimmune condition causing joint inflammation and pain. However, signs of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are not always as obvious as psoriasis. 

On average, psoriasis symptoms tend to appear before psoriatic arthritis symptoms during adolescence and young adulthood. Psoriatic arthritis symptoms tend to appear later in adulthood, between the ages 30 and 50. However, it’s still possible to experience the symptoms of either condition at any age.

Who is at Risk for Psoriatic Arthritis?

Health experts don’t yet know exactly what causes psoriatic arthritis. However, there is a possibility that your genes and environment may increase your risk of developing psoriatic arthritis. If you have parents with psoriatic arthritis, you are more likely to develop the condition. 

Additional factors that may increase your risk of developing psoriatic arthritis include the following:

• Obesity

• Infection

• High stress levels

• Smoking tobacco

• Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP)

On average, women tend to experience a more severe form of psoriatic arthritis than men. However, both women and men develop psoriatic arthritis at similar rates.

What are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis symptoms, like joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, are common symptoms of most types of arthritis. The following symptoms are more unique to psoriatic arthritis:

• Pitted nails

• Crumbling fingernails

• Nail bed separation

• Redness

• Tender and swollen fingers and toes

You may also experience vision changes and feel tenderness in tendons and ligaments with psoriatic arthritis. Be sure to reach out to a licensed healthcare provider if you experience any psoriatic arthritis symptoms that get in the way of completing everyday activities.

What are the Early Signs of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Those with psoriatic arthritis may experience symptoms of varying severity at different stages. However, one of the most common first signs of psoriatic arthritis is the swelling of joints in the hand, foot, or knee. Those diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis may notice mild to moderate swelling in their fingers or toes. Health experts often refer to extremely swollen fingers and toes as “sausage digits.” 

Another common early sign of psoriatic arthritis is experiencing joint stiffness in the first 30 to 45 minutes after waking or sitting up for the first time in the morning.

How is Psoriatic Arthritis Diagnosed?

A healthcare provider may recommend imaging tests to check for psoriatic arthritis if you exhibit common symptoms like pain and swelling in the tendons. An x-ray can help detect inflammation and joint damage. A healthcare provider may also recommend blood tests to rule out other types of arthritis.

What are the Different Types of Psoriatic Arthritis?

Each type of PsA affects the tendons and ligaments connected to the bones. The five main types of psoriatic arthritis are:

Spondylitis: This type of arthritis primarily affects the spine and neck. Spondylitis causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the lower back, neck, and sacroiliac joints (located at the pelvis and lower spine).

Distal interphalangeal predominant (dactylitis): Dactylitis leads to inflammation and swelling on the fingers and toes. This type of PsA can affect small joints and tendons on different sides of the body.

Asymmetric oligoarticular: This type of PsA is one of the most common forms of psoriatic arthritis. It triggers PsA symptoms on opposite sides of the body.

Symmetric polyarthritis: Symmetric polyarthritis affects joints on the same side of the body.

Arthritis mutilans: Arthritis mutilans is the most severe form of arthritis. It leads to shortening of the fingers or toes. Those with arthritis mutilans may experience difficulty walking and moving the fingers or toes.

What are the Stages of Psoriatic Arthritis?

The progression of psoriatic arthritis is unique for each individual. Generally, healthcare providers can break down the development of psoriatic arthritis into the following four main stages:

Preclinical stage: Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis do not always occur right away during this stage. Some people may have psoriatic arthritis for years and not experience symptoms until much later. However, if you have psoriasis, your healthcare provider may assess you for psoriatic arthritis sooner than others if you exhibit symptoms.

Subclinical stage: In this stage, a healthcare provider may recommend an imaging test like an x-ray to see whether or not you have any joint damage. This stage is often prompted by signs of inflammation in your joints.

Prodromal stage: During this stage, symptoms are more obvious and may show up more consistently. You may experience fatigue or mild to moderate joint discomfort. However, it’s not always obvious whether your symptoms are related directly to psoriatic arthritis at this stage.

Clinical stage: A healthcare provider is most likely to make an official diagnosis in the clinical stage. How long it takes to get to this stage varies from person to person.

What are the Treatment Options for Psoriatic Arthritis?

Treatment for psoriatic arthritis is a combination of healthy habits and medications to treat flare-ups. The strength of medication varies depending on the severity of your PsA.

A healthcare provider may prescribe the following medications to treat psoriatic arthritis:

Over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications: NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) can be used occasionally to relieve pain associated with PsA.

Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroid injections are a short-term treatment to relieve pain and reduce inflammation in the joints. 

Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): Medications like methotrexate can help slow inflammation and joint damage long-term.

Biologics: Biologics can be used in combination with DMARDs to treat pain and severe PsA symptoms. A healthcare provider may recommend staying on these medications for a certain period of time.

Tips for Living with Psoriatic Arthritis

Your healthcare provider may recommend adding more physical activity to your schedule to strengthen muscles and tendons. This can help to reduce the onset of severe PsA symptoms and increase bone strength. 

While diet won’t help treat PsA, a well-balanced diet can help reduce joint inflammation. A diet rich in lean proteins, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains can reduce inflammation and benefit your overall health.

Where Can You Learn More About Living with Psoriatic Arthritis?

You may not immediately know you have psoriatic arthritis. In the meantime, you can take preemptive measures to slow the progression. The earlier you treat psoriatic arthritis, the less likely it is to progress to a severe stage quickly. 

LifeMD can help you learn more about managing your joint pain and other psoriatic arthritis symptoms with guidance from licensed healthcare providers who can help provide treatment plans that include prescription medications. With a LifeMD+ membership, you can receive access to educational resources, licensed healthcare providers, prescription medications if you qualify, and more for just $19 a month.

Join today to connect with LifeMD-affiliated physicians who can guide you through treatment options and expert advice for managing your psoriatic arthritis.

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