If you have psoriasis will you get psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriasis affects the skin and nails, while psoriatic arthritis is inflammation involving joints and sometimes the areas where tendons attach to bone. Joint symptoms can appear before, alongside, or after skin changes, so a clear rash is not required when symptoms begin.

Watch for a swollen finger or toe, pain in a joint, heel discomfort, or stiffness after waking that eases as you move. These symptoms can have several causes; they do not by themselves prove psoriatic arthritis. The condition page on [Psoriatic Arthritis](/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/) provides further background.

Keep a short record of which joints hurt or swell, when stiffness starts, and whether symptoms settle during the day. Photographing visible swelling can help if it changes before an appointment.

Arrange a clinical assessment if symptoms persist, recur, or interfere with work, sleep, or movement. A clinician may examine your joints, skin and nails and decide whether tests or imaging are useful. Treatment can include prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, alongside movement advice or [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) when appropriate.

Seek prompt medical advice for a newly swollen joint, repeated episodes of swelling, or stiffness that is increasingly limiting normal activities. Do not wait for severe pain before mentioning symptoms, because early assessment can clarify whether inflammation is present.

Seek urgent care if a joint becomes suddenly very painful, hot, and red, especially with fever or feeling unwell. Those features can signal an urgent problem that needs examination rather than home monitoring.

Ask: Could my joint symptoms be inflammatory? Which joints, skin or nail changes should I monitor? Would an examination, blood test, or scan help? What activity is suitable while symptoms are present? If medication is suggested, what benefits and side effects should I know about?