Psoriatic Arthritis Specialist
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Delaware Arthritis
Rheumatologists & Infusion Therapy located in Lewes, DE & Millville, DE
Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly rashes. Unfortunately, 10 to 30% of people with psoriasis also develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes inflammation and pain in the joints. Experienced board-certified rheumatologist Jose A. Pando, MD, and his team of providers at Delaware Arthritis in Lewes, Delaware, and Millville, Delaware, specialize in managing psoriatic arthritis and provides treatment to reduce your joint pain and improve your quality of life. For kind and compassionate care for your psoriatic arthritis, call the office or book an appointment online today.
Psoriatic Arthritis
What is psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that develops in people with psoriasis. It’s an immune-mediated condition in which your body’s own immune cells attack the healthy tissues in your joints, leading to inflammation and pain.
Researchers aren’t certain what causes psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, but theorize that it may be a genetic trait that’s triggered by an outside factor, such as an infection or trauma.
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that may worsen over time. Dr. Pando is an experienced rheumatologist who can design a plan to help you gain control over your psoriatic arthritis and stop the progression of the disease and its impact on your daily life.
What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those caused by rheumatoid arthritis. With the condition you may experience:
- Joint pain and tenderness
- Joints that feel warm to the touch
- Decreased range of motion in the joint
These symptoms may only affect the joints on one side of your body.
Psoriatic arthritis can also cause severe swelling in your fingers, foot pain, and lower back pain.
How is psoriatic arthritis diagnosed?
There’s no single test that can diagnose psoriatic arthritis. However, our team of providers conduct a comprehensive examination when you come in for care to help determine the underlying cause of your joint pain. During your examination, he reviews your symptoms and medical history and conducts a physical exam.
The team at Delaware Arthritis may also request blood tests and diagnostic imaging, such as an MRI or X-ray, to rule out other causes of your joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
What are the treatments for psoriatic arthritis?
There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but our team focuses on treatmen relieving your symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. Your treatment plan may include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
- Immunosuppressants
- Biological medications (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors and others)
- Tropical medications for psoriasis
Delaware Arthritis has an on-site infusion suite for infusion therapy, which may be needed if our providers recommend DMARDs to manage your psoriatic arthritis. DMARDs slow down the progression of the disease and may help prevent permanent joint damage.
Dr. Pando and his team takes a holistic and biological approach to medicine and not only wants to provide care for your arthritis, but also help improve your overall health. To improve your body’s strength, coordination, and balance, he may recommend you participate in some of the classes offered at the Lewes Wellness Center, such as yoga, tai chi or pilates.
Psoriatic arthritis is a progressive condition, but with advances in medicine, you can stop permanent damage to your joints. For expert medical care from a physician who takes a holistic approach, call Delaware Arthritis or request an appointment online today.
