What Is Psoriatic Arthritis in Seniors?

Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that happens when your body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. Surveys show that an estimated 1 million people or 30% of people diagnosed with psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes a scaly, dry, red rash that often appears on a person’s knees, elbows, ankles, feet, and hands.

If you have psoriatic arthritis, you may experience symptoms such as swollen fingers and toes, foot pain, lower back pain, fatigue, less range of motion, nail changes, and swelling and pain around the tendons.

Symptoms that are often seen in psoriasis patients may also develop, such as scaly skin, especially on your knees, elbows, and scalp. There are also some cases where a patient may feel stiffness and tiredness in the morning.

Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Oligoarticular
This type of psoriatic arthritis is often a milder type that affects four or fewer joints in the body.

Polyarticular
On the other hand, this type of psoriatic arthritis can be a more severe type that affects four or more joints in the body.

Psoriatic Causes and Risk Factors

While doctors aren’t sure what causes psoriatic arthritis to develop, there are a few elements that may play a role:

Genes
Having a parent or relative who has psoriasis triples your chance of developing psoriasis, which, in turn, makes you more likely to get psoriatic arthritis.

Infection
An infection that sets off your immune system could be to blame.

If your loved one is struggling with discomfort from psoriatic arthritis or some other condition, it may be time to consider Home Care to help ease their pain.

Contact Lowenhill Home Care Services to learn more about the options available to your senior!