Psoriatic Arthritis in Feet: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment ============================================= Do you know what Psoriatic Arthritis is?
If you think you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in your feet, or you think someone you know might be suffering from this chronic condition, there are a few ways to identify the symptoms, and then you can deal with it. You have to note that while PsA affects everyone differently, foot problems are a frequent and painful challenge. A well-known study has confirmed that PsA triggers inflammation not only in the joints but also where tendons and ligaments attach to the bones.
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It is a chronic condition and inflammatory arthritis that people with psoriasis can face. This chronic condition is common, and people facing it have to deal with a lot of joint pains, swelling, and muscle stiffness. It can also affect the nails and the skin.
You may not notice, but your foot contains 28 bones, 30 joints, and over 100 tendons, ligaments, and muscles – this means PsA has many potential targets in the feet to affect. However, studies have shown that psoriatic arthritis (PsA) tends to affect a few specific areas more severely than others which can worsen over time as well.
What Are The Symptoms of PsA in Feet? 1. Dactylitis One of the main symptoms of PsA is dactylitis – in medical terms. However, it is also known as “sausage digits.” The reason for calling it sausage digits is because the entire toe (or finger), when it becomes swollen and painful – looks like sausage. It is key to note that dactylitis tends to affect the toes more than the finders, and interestingly, it can affect the toes on both feet. It is pretty common among people suffering from PsA. You should note that this symptom could be the only symptom that can indicate PsA in the foot. However, there are other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and osteoarthritis (OA) that can also cause symptoms similar to foot pain and swelling. So, it is imperative that you get an accurate diagnosis for an effective treatment. 2. Enthesitis
Over time, enthesitis may cause the tissue to become fibrotic (rope-like) or even calcify, a process known as ossification. 3. Pain at the Base of the Toes If you experience pain at the base of your big toe, it could be due to inflammation in the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint. PsA has been known to target this area, resulting in discomfort and stiffness commonly. (914) 620-2111
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When we talk about Enthesitis, we are talking about pain in the heel and bottom of the foot where the tendons and ligaments attach to the bones. This can lead to a condition called plantar fasciitis. It can also affect the Achilles tendon at the back of the heel, and pain can travel up to the spine and pelvis.
The major factors that contribute to this condition and increase your risk of MTP joint pain are: •
High body mass index (BMI).
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Partially dislocated joints.
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Inflammation of the joint lining (synovitis).
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Erosion of the joint over time.
4. Nail Issues It is fairly common and seen in many individuals suffering from psoriatic arthritis (PsA) – their nails start pitting or separate from the nail bed. Some people notice thickening of nails and even discoloration. These changes are strong symptoms of PsA. In some cases, steroid injections beneath the nail can help control these changes and reduce discomfort. 5. Swelling of the Foot and Synovitis The most common symptom, and the most overlooked one, is swelling in the feet. Synovitis, or inflammation of the synovium (the lining of the joint), often follows, contributing to pain, stiffness, and eventual joint damage.
How to Manage PsA Foot Pain Better? PsA can impact foot health badly, but there are a few things that you can do to manage the pain and prevent further damage. Here are some key approaches to consider:
Biologic therapies and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) target the immune system to reduce inflammation and slow PsA progression. If you stay consistent with your prescribed regimen, you can minimize joint damage and alleviate foot pain. Using a free Rx discount card can help reduce the cost of these essential medications. 2. Go with the supportive footwear
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1. Don’t forget to take your medications
Nowadays, there are so many options for supportive wear that you can choose from that can help reduce foot pain significantly. We would recommend you avoid high heels and narrow-toe boxes that add pressure to already swollen feet. You should go for shoes with a wide-toe box or open-toe design. 3. Start with simpler exercises Staying active can help maintain joint flexibility and improve overall mobility. However, high-impact exercises such as running can exacerbate foot pain. Instead, consider: •
Swimming offers gentle resistance and relieves joint pressure.
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Cycling or using an elliptical machine for a low-impact workout.
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Stretching routines to keep the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia flexible.
A physical therapist can guide you in selecting safe and effective exercises tailored to your needs. 4. Maintain a healthy weight Being overweight is one of the many reasons why PsA symptoms worsen over time. The fat tissue releases inflammatory chemicals that exacerbate the condition. We strongly recommend losing weight if you are overweight or maintain a healthy weight to avoid worsening of the condition. Please note that achieving and maintaining a moderate weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can alleviate pressure on your joints. 5. When in pain, take rest!
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Take a break and rest. You can do some hot water and Epsom salts combination and soak your feet. Try to keep your foot elevated to reduce swelling and discomfort. 6. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and pain You can use cold packs to reduce inflammation and numb painful areas. We recommend wrapping an ice pack in a towel and applying it to sore spots for 10minute intervals several times a day. If you have plantar fasciitis, rolling a frozen water bottle under your foot can provide a cooling massage that eases pain.
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7. Focus on grooming your toenails Keeping your toenails short prevents them from catching on socks or pulling, which can lead to discomfort or even nail separation. However, avoid trimming them too short, as this may increase the risk of infection. 8. Take steroids after discussing with your doctor Steroid injections can quickly reduce inflammation and swelling in affected joints. In cases of nail changes, your doctor may administer injections beneath the toenail to alleviate symptoms.
Take Control of Psoriatic Arthritis Foot Pain Managing PsA in the feet involves a combination of medication, lifestyle adjustments, and self-care practices. Consistently taking your prescribed medications and using an Rx prescription discount card like WiseRX® discount card can significantly reduce your medication costs. It is available and easy to use—just show them at your local pharmacy, and you might save up to 85% on your medications. Lastly, if home-care strategies fail to provide relief, consult with your podiatrist or rheumatologist about new treatments for psoriatic arthritis or potential surgical options for severely damaged joints.
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Taking proactive steps now can improve your quality of life and help you manage psoriatic arthritis foot pain more effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions 1. What are the signs of PsA in the feet? (914) 620-2111
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Symptoms often include swelling, pain, stiffness, and nail abnormalities. Dactylitis, enthesitis, and MTP joint pain are also common. 2. What are the early symptoms of PsA? Early signs may involve joint pain, warmth, and swelling, with foot symptoms such as dactylitis or nail changes appearing before other joints are affected. 3. What triggers PsA flares? Stress is a common trigger that can cause PsA symptoms to flare up. 4. Is managing PsA high maintenance? There are many pharmacy discount cards like WiseRX® discount card that can significantly reduce your medication cost.
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