Psoriatic arthritis risk higher in psoriasis patients with bone and joint injuries: Study

Psoriatic arthritis risk is higher in psoriasis patients with bone and joint injuries. Psoriatic arthritis, a chronic arthritis condition associated with psoriasis,  can lead to disability and joint damage. Nearly 30 percent of psoriasis patients will develop psoriatic arthritis.

The study included information collected between 1995 and 2013, which included over 15,000 individuals with psoriasis who suffered physical injury. During the study period, over 1,000 participants developed psoriatic arthritis.

Incidence rate of psoriatic arthritis was 30 per 10,000 person-years among individuals who had experienced a physical injury. In individuals without injury, incidence rate was 22 per 10,000 person-years.

Increased risk of psoriatic arthritis was greater among individuals with bone or joint injury.

Senior author Thorvardur Love said, “This is the first sizable population-based cohort study to determine the risk of psoriatic arthritis following trauma in psoriasis patients. Our findings highlight the importance of further study into the complex factors that lead to arthritis in psoriasis patients, as we may find ways to modify the risk once we fully understand it.”

Connection between psoriatic arthritis and psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition and an autoimmune disease. Psoriatic arthritis can follow psoriasis, and without early treatment can result in irreversible joint damage. Previously, psoriatic arthritis was believed to be an outgrowth of psoriasis, but newer research has found a gene linked to psoriatic arthritis which can help doctors identify who is at risk for the condition.

Psoriatic arthritis typically appears after 10 to 12 years of having psoriasis. Nearly 30 percent of psoriatic patients will develop psoriatic arthritis. The reason why psoriatic arthritis shows up in psoriasis is still very unclear , and additional research is required to uncover the underlying mechanisms.

As mentioned, early detection of psoriatic arthritis is crucial in order to properly manage the disease before irreversible damage occurs to the joints. Look for the following signs to determine if you may be developing psoriatic arthritis: joint swelling, tenderness, limited range of motion, and stiffness. If you have psoriasis, you should have frequent check-ups with your doctor to ensure your joints are not becoming damaged.