Could this be psoriatic arthritis?

Posted Mon 5 Apr 2021 21.21 by lurcherlover

Hi, a few years ago (I'm 53) I went to see my GP about pain in my feet and ankles. I was sent for an x ray, they also did a test for RA, which was negative. Since then it's got worse and worse, I have very tender feet and sore ankles, in my tendons and in my joints, but they feel bruised and sore, much worse in the mornings, but sometimes at night they burn and ache. If I sit still for any length of time I hobble for a while when I get up. I've seen a podiatrist who told me it's tendonitis, and has given me exercises but they don't help. I've now started getting stabbing pains and aches in my fingers and sometimes in my knee. The GP has previously told me it's osteoarthritis and there is nothing they can do. I don't feel this is right for an active 53 year old. It's making me depressed and feel old before my time. GP said because I don't have sausage fingers or pitted nails it's not psoriatic arthritis. I am not so sure - is it worth a second opinion? Does it make any difference in terms of treatment? I do have psoriasis by the way on my arms, knees, and tiny patches on my face and body. Thanks, I'd really appreciate any input.

Posted Mon 5 Apr 2021 23.36 by alanrco

The fact that you have some psoriasis does make a strong case for PA. Also pain in your extremities, feet and hands is often a sign. I've had PA for 43 years and psoriasis for 50 but the nails stopped pitting many years ago but I never had sausage fingers, my psoriasis has been severe and seasonal (winter) for many years. There is often a few years after getting psoriasis before the arthritis kicks in. About seven years for me. The PA test can be inconclusive therefore unreliable. Not suffered with stabbing pains though. My arthritis has been a dull pain and stiffness. I've been on methotrexate for a year and the PA has all but disappeared although I do suffer tiredness. It's too easy for GPs to only regard the classic symptoms, but PA does vary quite a lot between sufferers. Does sound like you have an autoimmune disease of some sort, and they vary a lot too. Maybe if your psoriasis is not too bad then I would recommend azathioprine, in my opinion it works better for arthritis than methotrexate. Don't despair, you'll find a treatment that works for you eventually. You do need to see a specialist though. GPs (no disrespect to them) tend to be jack of all trades. You need the master :) For the burning I would use a simple, cheap effective cream called Dermacool which is aqueous cream and 2% menthol. I sometimes get burning feet at night and it is simply brilliant!

Posted Tue 6 Apr 2021 14.35 by lurcherlover

Hi, thanks so much for your reply. I'm not sure what the current situation is with GP appointments but think I will go back. The dermacool sounds great, thanks for the suggestion.

Posted Tue 6 Apr 2021 17.08 by alanrco

BTW don't buy the tubs, once opened the menthol can evaporate. The plastic tubes are best and if you squeeze the cream to the top before closing it will last forever. Your GP should prescribe this cream on the NHS

Posted Wed 7 Apr 2021 11.18 by Marydoll

Hi there. You are describing the exact same symptoms that I have experienced over the last few years. My psoriasis was diagnosed around 10 years ago and I tried every cream, lotion and potion available but with no success. Since the start of the Covid restrictions I suffered my worst ever flare up with around 50% of my body affected. My joint pain was getting me down too with my feet and hands the most severe. My GP referred me to a specialist and he was absolutely amazing. He diagnosed me with psoriatic arthritis and I started methotrexate 3 weeks ago. I have already noticed a marked improvement in my skin but I think it might still be early days for the joint pain. I’d advise you to see a specialist like I did as your symptoms are so similar to mine. Good luck 😊

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