So Am i comming down with PA?

[kit22katt]

Besides the legions on 30% of my body I have had it spread to my nails and to my feet. My knuckles and finger tips are in pain and some numbness. CAn anyone say?

[cereal]

Hi kit22katt, there's no way to tell if it's pa unless you see a doctor. Preferably a rheumy. There are so many symptoms that could or could not be pa. The amount of P coverage you have has no bearing on PA, as there are some people who have zero psoriasis but yet they have psoriatic arthritis. Hang in There!!

pat

[tmartha]

Hello - I'd definitely want to see a rheumatologist if I were you - how long have your fingers hurt? Do you like your derm, and if so, does he have a rheumy referral for you?

Let us know -
Tani

[tmartha]

Welcome, Kit22Kat! I hope you've already had some good reads of the posts here - and that you find some comfort and helpful info here. In fact, I'm certain you will - found this place in Jan. and it's been a HUGE help to me.

Welcome, welcome! :)

[MikeK]

Hi Catherine,

I already welcomed you in the other thread. You've already been given some great advice. I'm going to give you a link to a "must read" post by JesseLou. She discusses the questions that must be asked and the tests that must be ordered whenever PA is suspected. Here's the link: http://www.psoriasis.org/forum/showthread.php?p=74786&highlight=favorite#post74786.

I hope this helps.

Good luck. Keep us posted. Let us know if you have any other questions and please don't be a stranger.

Mike

[crazyme]

Hi, Kit22Kat.

I am a newbie as well. Just found this place while surfing and researching PA. I have had minor p for as long as I can remember (scalp, elbows, ears). I have 2 sausage fingers (both index fingers), a sore foot, back pain (although it is possible that it is caused by picking up my 2 boys), and I've had psoriasis under my toenails for about 10 yrs with signs of recent pitting on one. I thought I broke my toe but it has been 4 months and I'm still limping.

PCD did bloodwork and x-rays. Confusing thing is that all symptoms point to PA but... no elevated sed rate, no increased white blood count even though I have visible swelling in digits, no RF, and no signs of joint degeneration. The x-ray tech did note, however, that my 'sore toe' has "thickening of the cortex indicative of trauma".... I currently have a small knot near the joint in my toe. Doc says he didn't expect to see anything yet.

His diagnosis is PA. I am off to a rheumy for confirmation and treatment plan.

I guess we both just have to wait and see, huh?

[sonchi]

rule out rheumatoide arthritis by a blood test for RF - rheumatoid factor, if negative and no signs of other arthritis (infection etc), then you most likely have PA. The rheumy would do some X ray to see if there is any joint damage too.

[kit22katt]

Thanks for the information. My joints have been like this on and off. I am not imagining the pain but it is there and enough to stop what I am doing and rub, streach and dely my motions. If you have anything else just shoot me something.

[tmartha]

Just was wondering - are you able to soak your hands in warm water? When my pa is acting up, I'll soak in a very warm bath for 20 min./half an hour (until the water cools - bummer) and it gives relief for quite a while afterwards. The gentle movements you are doing are a good thing. Let us know what you find out about this, if you've gotten a rheumatologist appointment -
Tani