Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis There are over 100 different forms of arthritis and related diseases. Each can cause pain in its own way. Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are two of the most common forms. PsA has many of the same symptoms as OA, which is an age-related type of degenerative arthritis. PsA can often relate back to an earlier psoriasis diagnosis. Keep reading to learn more about these two conditions. What Is Psoriatic Arthritis? Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. Autoimmune diseases cause your body to mistakenly attack its own cells. In other words, your immune system is falsely on high alert and on the offensive at all times. PsA can develop in individuals who have psoriasis. Psoriasis is a common skin condition that causes rapid skin cell build-up. The excess skin cells lead to red patches, which are often covered in whitish-silvery scales. For most people with PsA, psoriasis will develop first. The arthritis usually develops later. In some cases