Psoriatic Arthritis Specialist
-
- Tweet
Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists
Rheumatologists located in Plantation, FL
While the word psoriasis is most often associated with a skin condition, it’s also a form of arthritis that afflicts about 30% of the 7.5 million people in the United States who are diagnosed with psoriasis. At Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists, both Dr. Guillermo Valenzuela and Dr. Marilu Colon are well-versed in autoimmune disorders that affect your joints, including psoriatic arthritis. Using the latest evidence-based treatments, the team at the Plantation, Florida, practice is helping their patients gain the upper hand on this joint disease. To learn more, call the clinic or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.
Psoriatic Arthritis Q & A
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
The human body does an amazing job protecting itself against outside invaders, including viruses and infections, and leading this charge is your immune system. When your immune system determines that something poses a risk, it kicks into gear to fight off the menace.
With psoriatic arthritis (PsA), your immune system mistakenly attacks the healthy tissue in your joints because of a perceived threat, which causes inflammation.
There are several types of psoriatic arthritis, including:
- Symmetric psoriatic arthritis -- about half of people with PsA have this type which affects the joints on both sides of your body
- Asymmetric psoriatic arthritis -- making up about one-third of PsA cases, this arthritis can develop in the joint on just one side of your body
- Spondylitis, which develops in your spine and neck
- Distal psoriatic arthritis, which affects your fingertips and toes
- Arthritis mutilans -- a severe form of PsA that can severely damage the joints at the ends of your fingers and toes
What are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?
Most people with psoriatic arthritis first develop symptoms of psoriasis, a skin condition that features red, scaly patches on your skin.
With PsA, you may begin to notice swelling, pain, and stiffness in your joints, which can flare up and then die down. It’s worth noting, however, that PsA is a chronic disease that doesn’t get better on its own and can lead to serious damage to your joints if it’s left untreated.
How is Psoriatic Arthritis Treated?
Once your doctor at Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists confirms your PsA, they sit down with you to discuss the best treatments for keeping your symptoms at bay by controlling the joint inflammation.
If you have a mild case of PsA, your doctor may recommend nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications to start. If, however, your disease causes you considerable discomfort, your doctor may recommend:
- Biologic medications
- Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs
Your doctor delivers many of these medications through IV infusions, which is why Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists is equipped with an in-house infusion suite. This area is specifically designed for your comfort and convenience, allowing you to avoid the hassle of receiving your medications on an outpatient basis at the hospital.
To keep your psoriatic arthritis in check, call Integral Rheumatology & Immunology Specialists, or fill out the online form for an appointment.
