What should you know about EULAR psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, swelling and stiffness in joints, and morning stiffness may make movement difficult after waking. It can affect fingers, toes, knees, feet, the spine or the areas where tendons attach to bone. Skin or nail psoriasis may be present, but joint symptoms can also appear before a skin diagnosis. A clinician considers your symptoms, examination, skin and nail changes, medical history and test results. No single test confirms every case.

The pattern can change over time, with periods of increased inflammation and quieter periods. Early assessment helps distinguish inflammatory arthritis from an injury or wear-related joint problem. Read about [Psoriatic Arthritis](/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/) and related symptoms such as [Joint Pain](/symptoms/joint-pain/), [Joint Swelling](/symptoms/joint-swelling/) and [Morning Joint Stiffness](/symptoms/morning-joint-stiffness/).

Arrange an assessment if persistent joint pain, swelling or stiffness is affecting daily activities, especially alongside psoriasis or nail changes. Keep a simple record of which joints are affected, when stiffness is worst, and whether symptoms limit walking, gripping or sleep. Treatment may combine prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, medicines that control the underlying inflammation, skin care and movement support. [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/) may help symptoms, while [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can support strength, joint movement and pacing. Do not start, stop or change medication without discussing it with the prescriber.

Seek prompt medical advice for a newly swollen joint, rapidly worsening pain, or stiffness that is repeatedly restricting movement. Seek urgent help for a hot, very swollen joint with fever or feeling acutely unwell, because infection needs quick assessment. Sudden loss of strength, new numbness, severe injury, or inability to bear weight also warrants urgent evaluation. Eye pain, marked redness or light sensitivity should be assessed urgently, as inflammatory conditions can involve the eye.

Ask which findings make inflammatory arthritis more likely, whether blood tests or imaging are appropriate, and how psoriasis and joint symptoms will be monitored together. Ask what improvement to expect, how to manage a flare, which exercises are suitable for the affected joints, and which medication effects should prompt a call.