Psoriatic Arthritis
Most people have seen commercials advertising different medications for psoriasis. You know, the commercials where people try to hide patches on their skin that cause them embarrassment. Well, psoriatic Arthritis is often preceded by psoriasis, the skin condition that forms inflamed patches of skin with scales that become visually unpleasing and uncomfortable for people. Psoriatic arthritis is another form of arthritis that can affect the feet.
Aside from the skin condition, psoriatic arthritis can resemble rheumatoid arthritis. This type of arthritis more commonly affects the toe joints creating them to become painful, warm and swollen (resembling sausage toes). If left untreated it can cause significant joint damage. Psoriatic arthritis is also known for causing pain where tendons and ligaments insert such as the plantar fascia on the bottom, resembling plantar fasciitis of the foot or the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can also affect your nails and toenails causing them to flake and pit.
Your rheumatologist can help you manage this condition with medications, but your Podiatrist can help you keep your feet feeling as comfortable as possible with different shoe gear & insert options, injections, and surgical procedures. If your feet are suffering from psoriatic arthritis, please call Dakota Foot & Ankle Clinic to schedule an Appointment.