Psoriatic Arthritis Care in Collegeville, PA
Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis linked to psoriasis. Early treatment can relieve symptoms and help protect your joints.
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an autoimmune form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis, and it occasionally appears before any skin symptoms. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, as well as inflammation where tendons and ligaments attach to bone.
Common symptoms
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, often worse in the morning
- Swollen, "sausage-like" fingers or toes (dactylitis)
- Heel pain or pain at the back of the ankle
- Nail changes such as pitting or lifting of the nail
- Low back or neck stiffness
- Fatigue
How psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed
There is no single test. Diagnosis relies on your symptoms, your personal and family history of psoriasis, a joint and skin examination, and imaging and blood tests that help rule out other forms of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Treatment
Treatment is tailored to the joints, skin, and nails involved and may include anti-inflammatory medications, disease-modifying drugs, biologic therapies that target specific inflammatory pathways, targeted oral medications, and joint injections. Because skin and joints are linked, we coordinate with your dermatologist when needed.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Shady Abdelbaki, MD · Last reviewed October 25, 2026
Frequently asked questions about psoriatic arthritis
Do I need to have psoriasis to have psoriatic arthritis?
Most people have skin psoriasis, but joint symptoms can come first, and some people have mild or easily missed psoriasis, such as on the scalp or nails.
Can psoriatic arthritis cause permanent joint damage?
It can if it is left untreated. Early treatment lowers that risk.
How is psoriatic arthritis different from rheumatoid arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis more often involves finger and toe joints in an uneven pattern, along with nail and skin changes and pain where tendons attach to bone. Blood tests also differ, and treatment is chosen accordingly.
Ready to schedule your visit?
We're now booking appointments ahead of our opening in January 2027 in Collegeville, PA.