Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis linked with psoriasis. It is like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and exhibits similar symptoms and inflammation of the joints. However, the condition affects fewer joints than its more severe counterpart and does not make typical RA antibodies. On that note, initiating treatments could ensure better management of the condition. So here are seven early warning signs of psoriatic arthritis that may require immediate attention.

Swollen joints, fingers, and toes
People affected by psoriatic arthritis may notice swelling in the ankles, feet, hands, and knees. Usually, only a few joints are inflamed at once, which may lead to a burning sensation, turning red. Besides, toes and fingers affected by psoriatic arthritis may take on a sausage-like shape, affecting pairs of joints on both sides of the body.

Pain in the ribs and chest
If an individual develops pain in the chest and ribs without any underlying health conditions, they must consult an expert immediately. The symptom might be due to psoriatic arthritis and may occur when the chest wall and cartilage connecting the ribs to the breastbone get inflamed.

Joint stiffness
An individual who experiences joint stiffness might be susceptible to psoriatic arthritis as the pain may result from inflammation. The soreness from the symptom may feel worse if they get up after resting, and the pain may carry on for 30 minutes or longer.

Pain while walking or climbing stairs
If someone finds walking or climbing stairs tedious and painful, they may want to see an expert. The symptom might be triggered due to inflammation where the muscle connects to a bone, such as the Achilles tendon.

Inflammation in the eye
Uveitis or inflammation inside the eye may cause pain, redness, and blurry vision. If left untreated, the condition may result in vision loss. However, there are various reasons for developing uveitis, including lupus or when the immune system is fighting an infected eye. Studies show that those with psoriatic arthritis may also be at risk of developing the disease. So if one notices this sign, they must speak to a healthcare professional immediately.

Pain in the shoulder and back
One may experience pain in the shoulder and back due to factors such as injuries and age. However, the painful sensation may also surface due to psoriatic arthritis. The condition triggers inflammation in the joints of the spine and hip bones, resulting in pain in regions such as the neck, lower and upper back, and buttocks.

Nail pitting
Nail pitting is a condition that may lead to minor dents (pitting) in the nails and ridges. It could also result in the entire nail pulling away from the nail bed. Nail pitting usually indicates an infection, such as onycholysis or an injury. So, consulting an expert is a must to assess if it is further caused by psoriatic arthritis. One way to identify the symptom is by checking whether the separated part has turned opaque with white, green, or yellow hues.