Skin plaques and nail changes
Skin plaques and nail changes
For people 2 years of age and older with active psoriatic arthritis
PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS FACTS AND SYMPTOMS
What causes psoriatic arthritis?
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is an inflammatory, autoimmune condition that can affect both the joints and skin. The specific cause of psoriatic arthritis is not fully known, though it’s believed that an overproduction of molecules in your body may activate any of the multiple symptoms of PsA.
When these molecules, such as the IL-17A protein, are overproduced, your body’s immune system has inflammatory responses that can contribute to pain and swelling in the joints and tendons, and sometimes, even skin plaques—raised patches of red skin that are thick, scaly, and itchy.
Without proper treatment, PsA may worsen, which is also known as psoriatic arthritis flares. And if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis may cause permanent joint damage.
PsA isn’t caused from overuse of joints or aging. It’s the result of an overactive immune system.
What are the first signs of psoriatic arthritis?
The first signs of psoriatic arthritis are not the same for everyone and can affect each person differently. PsA symptoms can include:
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Joint pain, reduced range of motion and physical ability
Joint pain, reduced range of motion and physical ability
Pain and swelling commonly felt in hands, feet, and joints
Pain and swelling commonly felt in hands, feet, and joints
Tenderness in and around joints, tendons, and ligaments
Tenderness in and around joints, tendons, and ligaments
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Sausage-like fingers or toes
Sausage-like fingers or toes
Fatigue, back pain, and stiffness
Fatigue, back pain, and stiffness
Joint damage: if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis may cause permanent joint damage
Joint damage: if left untreated, psoriatic arthritis may cause permanent joint damage
Men and women are equally at risk of developing PsA
What are the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis?
There are multiple symptoms of psoriatic arthritis, like joint pain and fatigue. These symptoms affect everyone differently. Use the sliders below the images to learn more about these symptoms and how they can affect you.
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BACK PAIN & STIFFNESS
BACK PAIN & STIFFNESS
"I had a very sharp pain in my lower back."
DACTYLITIS
Swelling of an entire finger or toe, commonly referred to as "sausage-like."
DACTYLITIS
Swelling of an entire finger or toe, commonly referred to as "sausage-like."
"My fingers were so swollen I couldn't make a full fist."
ENTHESITIS
Pain and tenderness where tendons and ligaments attach to bones.
ENTHESITIS
Pain and tenderness where tendons and ligaments attach to bones.
"I had a very sharp pain on my heel."
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FATIGUE
FATIGUE
"The pain fatigued me a lot, especially in the evening."
PERMANENT JOINT DAMAGE
PERMANENT JOINT DAMAGE
"I was misdiagnosed for a while. The inflammation eventually caused some deformity."
JOINT PAIN & SWELLING, AND REDUCED PHYSICAL MOBILITY
JOINT PAIN & SWELLING, AND REDUCED PHYSICAL MOBILITY
"For me, psoriatic arthritis affects my major joints. My hips, shoulders, arms, feet, and ankles."
SKIN PLAQUES AND NAIL CHANGES (IN PEOPLE WITH PLAQUE PSORIASIS)
SKIN PLAQUES AND NAIL CHANGES (IN PEOPLE WITH PLAQUE PSORIASIS)
"My plaque psoriasis started in small areas as a teenager. As I aged, it progressed. I was about 80% covered."
Could you be at risk for permanent joint damage?
Talk to your doctor. If left untreated, psoriatic arthritis can cause permanent joint damage. COSENTYX helps stop further joint damage. Ask your rheumatologist how COSENTYX treats psoriatic arthritis symptoms and helps stop further joint damage.
“My symptoms started very early in my life, probably when I was around 25 years old.”
"There was a lot of pain in my joints—especially in my hips, then in my knees and lower back. I really struggled to walk.”
Individual results may vary. Jorge and Tina were compensated for their time.
FIND A DOCTOR
Ask a rheumatologist if COSENTYX® may be right for you.
You know your body best. If your psoriatic arthritis symptoms feel different, or they’re getting worse, it’s time to tell a rheumatologist. Real people taking COSENTYX are looking and feeling better. Could you be one of them?