HELP - any words of wisdom - do you think this is PsA or just arthritis?!

Posted Fri 2 Feb 2024 13.48 by Acrazydoglady (edited Sat 10 Feb 2024 12.07 by Acrazydoglady)

Hi all - I've just been for inflammatory marker blood tests (thank you so much - due to comments made here!) & my GP asked did I want to be referred for hand therapy with physio?! I said not yet as I want to know if I'm showing signs of PsA or can you get arthritis without it being PsA? Or is it just an injury? Plus my water retention issues have gotten so much worse due to this thumb issue, my wedding rings are starting to get really tight, but my fingers don't hurt. History - I am very pro finding natural solution alternatives that don't break the bank! Got plaque psoriasis 4 years ago aged 50 psoriasis covered left footsole & I managed to reduce heel pain levels with fish oil - but it's started coming back more & more, despite being clear of psoriasis on footsole since Apr-23 (due diet) GP referred me to podiatry said they'd never seen anyone with so many foot problems before & just recommended a brand of footwear to help Both my knees - I couldn't get up from gardening (& solved that pain with collagen powder) Now - my left thumb joint has been painful for over 2 months, so I don't have any probs with bending my thumb, it's using it with any pressure - like moving shopping trolley, holding a jar while I get the lid off, lifting a wide heavy tumbler As my heel & thumb is on my left side - is this a poss warning sign?! So whilst I await the results he's booked me to see him on Wednesday, & I was just wondering if any of you have any wonderul words of wisdom to help me?! (I got a nasty cold a few days after my blood tests, so didn't go for this appointment, & am going to continue as I am, as sometimes I think you're better off not knowing & I've signed up to The Hippocrates project under research instead!) Thank you so very much xx

Posted Wed 26 Jun 2024 20.12 by RascalMCFC

Hi sorry, just joined. It sounds very much like PsA, GPs bless them are not very good at spotting the signs of PsA and because of the range of arthritic conditions it can be easily misdiagnosed. It is also possible to have two types of Arthritis but only an X-Ray will be able to tell. Pain in the heels is a classic PsA symptom. Good to hear you have signed up for the HIPPOCRATES project. Prof Laura Coates is a superb researcher. Hope you have found an answer to your problems x

Posted Tue 2 Jul 2024 14.33 by Acrazydoglady

@RAscalMCFC - thank you so much for your reply & phewee my xray didn't show signs of this, & oh yes it's good to get involved with research! x

Posted Sat 17 Aug 2024 17.03 by sophia14 (edited Sat 31 Aug 2024 07.52 by sophia14)

Determining whether it's PsA (psoriatic arthritis) or general arthritis can be challenging. Consulting a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis is crucial. They can assess symptoms, perform tests, and provide tailored advice. Managing any form of arthritis with the right treatment and lifestyle adjustments can make a significant difference.

Posted Tue 20 Aug 2024 01.58 by Seanie

Since your symptoms include thumb pain and increased water retention, waiting for your blood test results will be crucial for a clearer diagnosis

Posted Sun 29 Sep 2024 23.19 by John

Because psoriatic arthritis is a seronegative inflammatory arthritis, it often does not show up on blood results. Even if inflammatory markers are raised, they can often be high for other reasons (including your current cold). Often x rays do not show up psoriatic arthritis. I am sorry- but I didnt catch you age, But there is a good chance if you are older, that your x rays will show osteoarthritis. That does not mean that you don't have psoriatic arthritis. A rheumatologist will make that diagnosis based on the pattern of your symptoms, which joints are affected, where you have early morning stiffness, other signs and symptoms and balancing up the probabilities of another diagnosis.

Posted Mon 30 Sep 2024 06.44 by OhNo_NotAgain?

Not only is there no specific blood test for psoriatic arthritis, many of the treatments fpr PSA are the same as for rheumatoid arthritis, so it can possibly be somewhat moot which it is.

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