Psoriasis linked to arthritis: symptoms to recognise

Psoriatic arthritis can affect hands, feet, knees, ankles, the spine, or places where tendons attach to bone. Stiffness after resting, a swollen finger or toe, heel pain, and reduced movement are useful details to record. Joint symptoms may begin before, alongside, or after skin symptoms, and a mild rash does not rule them out. Nail pitting or lifting may be another clue, but it is not diagnostic by itself. Read the general [Psoriasis](/conditions/psoriasis/) overview for skin features.

Tell your dermatologist or primary-care clinician about persistent joint pain, morning stiffness, swollen digits, back stiffness, or heel tenderness. Keep a short symptom record showing which joints are affected, when stiffness occurs, and whether movement changes it. Gentle movement within comfort can help maintain function, but do not force a painful joint. Avoid delaying assessment while waiting for a skin flare. Mention related [Skin Redness](/symptoms/skin-redness/) or [Skin Scaling](/symptoms/skin-scaling/) and bring a list of medicines and past injuries.

Arrange a clinical review for new or ongoing swelling, stiffness that limits work or walking, or pain that keeps returning. Seek urgent advice for a suddenly very painful, hot, markedly swollen joint, fever with joint symptoms, or inability to bear weight. Prompt assessment can help separate inflammatory arthritis from injury, infection, or another joint condition.

Could my joint symptoms be related to psoriasis? Do I need a rheumatology assessment or imaging? Which activities are safe while a joint is painful? How will skin and joint treatments work together? Which changes should make me contact the clinic sooner?