Does psoriatic arthritis cause joint pain?

Pain can affect fingers, toes, knees, ankles, the lower back, or other joints. Stiffness may be more noticeable after resting, and an entire finger or toe can sometimes become swollen. Tenderness where a tendon attaches to bone, such as at the heel, may occur too. Psoriatic arthritis can affect people with psoriasis, but joint symptoms and skin symptoms do not always begin at the same time. Joint pain has many possible causes, so its presence alone does not establish this diagnosis.

Arrange an appointment if pain, swelling, or stiffness persists, recurs, or limits walking, work, sleep, or hand use. Note which joints are affected, when stiffness occurs, and whether you have psoriasis, nail changes, eye symptoms, or a family history of psoriasis. A clinician may examine your joints and decide whether blood tests or imaging are useful. Early review can help protect movement and guide symptom relief.

Seek urgent assessment for a hot, very swollen joint with fever, sudden inability to bear weight, or severe rapidly worsening pain. Urgent eye review is needed for a painful red eye, light sensitivity, or blurred vision. These features can have causes that need prompt treatment and should not be attributed to psoriatic arthritis without examination.

Could my joint pattern fit psoriatic arthritis or another condition? Do I need a rheumatology assessment? Which activities or treatments may ease symptoms while I wait? How should I respond if a joint becomes hot and swollen or if eye symptoms appear?