Why does psoriatic arthritis cause joint swelling?

Psoriatic arthritis can affect the synovial lining that normally helps a joint glide. Inflammation there can increase fluid and make the joint feel puffy, tender and stiff. The condition may also inflame a whole finger or toe, or the places where tendons attach to bone. Swelling can therefore come from the joint itself or from nearby soft tissue. Joint Swelling is a common presentation of Psoriatic Arthritis. It may affect hands, feet, knees, ankles or the spine, and symptoms can vary from one side to the other. A swollen joint can have many causes, so examination is needed to work out the reason.

Balance gentle movement with rest when a joint is irritated. Avoid activities that repeatedly increase pain, but prolonged complete rest can make stiffness worse. A clinician may check your joints, skin and nails and discuss medicines that calm inflammation or protect joint function. Keep a record of which joints swell, when symptoms occur and whether psoriasis symptoms change; this can make the assessment more useful.

Arrange an appointment if swelling persists, returns, affects several joints or interferes with walking, gripping or sleep. Seek prompt care for a suddenly very painful, hot swollen joint with fever or feeling unwell, because infection needs urgent assessment. Rapidly worsening weakness or inability to use a limb also warrants urgent help.

Ask which joints or tendon attachments appear inflamed, whether imaging or blood tests would help, how treatment protects movement, and which exercises are appropriate during a flare.