Healthy Habits: Psoriatic Arthritis

More than 1 million Americans are reported to be living with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), a painful, debilitating, and chronic autoimmune disease that is often underreported and misdiagnosed.

I have a chance to post this interview with Dr. Madelaine H. Feldman, The Rheumatology Group, New Orleans, to discuss the signs and symptoms of PsA, guidance on how patients can speak with their doctors, and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

• Up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis
• The disease is often misdiagnosed because symptoms are sometimes confused with other types of arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and reactive arthritis.
• The prevalence of PsA is higher than the number of people living with more well-known, serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) combined.

Dr. Feldman is joined by Christina T., a patient with psoriatic arthritis, who can share her personal experience living with the disease including the physical and emotional impact.