Serious Consequences at Stake
Identifying psoriatic arthritis as soon as possible is important, because the resulting joint damage, or “joint progression,” often takes place in the early stages of the disease. However, the complications caused by the erosion and destruction of the joints, specifically, painful movement leading to a limited ability to function, may not appear until a much later date.
Unfortunately, the disease can be difficult to diagnose. Few tests exist to recognize its presence, and X-rays usually do not reveal the initial signs. Instead, doctors must rely on their clinical observations and learn to recognize the distinct characteristics of psoriatic arthritis in order to make an early diagnosis. Left untreated, the disease has the potential to cripple and disable.
In about 20 percent of people, psoriatic arthritis is deforming and destructive. The damage is caused by the persistent inflammation of the synovium, the thin membrane or connective tissue that lines the cavity of a joint and produces synovial fluid. It also results in enthesitis, an inflammation occurring at the point of attachment of the tendons, ligaments and connective tissue to a bone.
In some instances, the condition also leads to inflammation in bodily tissues, such as the tendons and cartilage, and in the eyes, heart, lungs and kidneys. On rare occasions, complications, such as joint dislocations of the neck and leaking of the heart valves, have been known to occur.
