Psoriatic knee arthritis: what to know

An inflamed knee may become swollen, warm, stiff, or painful after rest and may feel difficult to bend fully. Walking, rising from a chair, or climbing stairs can become uncomfortable. The knee may be affected alone or alongside symptoms in other joints, fingers, toes, tendons, skin, or nails.

Knee osteoarthritis, a meniscus tear, an ACL tear, or a Baker's cyst can also cause pain, swelling, clicking, or difficulty walking. The direction and timing of symptoms, injury history, examination, and sometimes imaging help separate these possibilities. Knee symptoms alone do not establish psoriatic arthritis.

Reduce activities that sharply increase pain, but keep the knee moving gently within comfort. Short, manageable walks and regular position changes may be easier than prolonged standing or complete rest. Use a handrail on stairs and avoid carrying heavy loads while the knee feels unstable.

Arrange assessment if swelling continues or function is declining. Treatment depends on the cause and may include targeted exercises, symptom relief, or other medical care. Physiotherapy can help build leg strength, improve movement, and practise safer stair or walking strategies when appropriate.

Seek urgent assessment for a hot, severely painful knee with fever or feeling unwell, inability to bear weight, a major injury, sudden marked swelling, or a knee that locks. Get prompt advice if the knee repeatedly gives way or walking becomes progressively harder.

Does my knee pattern suggest inflammation, injury, or wear-related change? Do I need imaging or fluid testing? Which exercises are safe while it is swollen? What should I do if the knee locks or gives way?