Although the exact causes of psoriatic arthritis are not known, it is suspected to be developed from a combination of hereditary (genetic) and environmental factors. About more than 40% of people having psoriatic arthritis are with a family history of arthritis or psoriasis. It is observed that genes on chromosome 6p are responsible for both psoriasis as well as psoriatic arthritis. Some other genes are also likely to cause this disorder.
Some environmental factors are found to be causes of psoriatic arthritis. Some infections may lead to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Usually, the immune system of the body produces certain cells that attack the infections. In autoimmune disease like psoriatic arthritis, the immune cells attack the joints which may lead to an inflammation. Koebner phenomenon in which psoriasis develops at the site of trauma leads to psoriatic arthritis.
Various immunological abnormalities are among the possible causes of psoriatic arthritis. Both B and T cells, chemokines and cytokines are responsible for the development and prolongation of inflammation due to psoriatic arthritis. In psoriatic arthritis, elevated level of tumor necrosis factor is found in tissue and blood samples. Cytokine is considered as an important triggering factor while chemokines and cytokines cause the development of inflammation which leads to tissue destruction in psoriatic arthritis. It is also assumed that immunological abnormalities are found in the individual having a contact with specific environmental factor, which results in the perpetuation of this disease.
If the doctor suspects that you have a psoriatic arthritis, then you are recommended to visit to the rheumatologist. On the basis of symptoms, physical examination, x-ray findings and reports of blood tests including determination of erythrocyte sedimentation rate and rheumatoid factor, an accurate diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is done.
The treatment of psoriatic arthritis is a combination of exercise and anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs). Other potent medications include corticosteroids, methotrexate (Trexall, Rheumatrex) and antimalarial medications. Exercises can be done at home or with the help of a physiotherapist. Application of heat and cold compresses will also prove to be very effective.
