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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Psoriatic arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in central London, our experienced rheumatology team provides comprehensive assessment, diagnosis and treatment for psoriatic arthritis. Using advanced imaging, laboratory investigations and specialist clinical expertise, we work to establish an accurate psoriatic arthritis diagnosis and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.

    • Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes inflammation in the joints and the areas where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, known as entheses. It belongs to a group of inflammatory conditions called spondyloarthropathies and can affect people differently, ranging from mild symptoms to more widespread joint involvement.

      The condition is closely associated with psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterised by red, scaly patches of skin. However, not everyone with psoriatic arthritis will have visible psoriasis at the time of diagnosis.

      Without appropriate treatment, ongoing inflammation may lead to joint damage, reduced mobility and a significant impact on quality of life.

    • The symptoms of psoriatic arthritis can vary considerably between individuals and may develop gradually or appear suddenly.

      Common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

      • Joint pain, swelling and tenderness
      • Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes
      • Swelling of an entire finger or toe (dactylitis)
      • Pain where tendons or ligaments attach to bone, particularly around the heels and feet
      • Lower back or neck pain
      • Fatigue and reduced energy levels
      • Nail changes, including pitting, thickening or separation from the nail bed
      • Psoriasis skin plaques
      • Eye inflammation (uveitis)

      Because many symptoms overlap with other forms of arthritis, obtaining an accurate psoriatic arthritis diagnosis is essential.

    • You should seek specialist assessment if you have psoriasis and develop joint pain, stiffness or swelling, or if you experience persistent musculoskeletal symptoms that are affecting your daily activities.

      Early intervention can help prevent irreversible joint damage and improve long-term outcomes.

    • The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis remains unknown. It is believed to develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, triggering inflammation within the joints and surrounding structures.

      Researchers believe a combination of genetic and environmental factors contributes to the development of the condition.

      Risk factors for psoriatic arthritis include:

      • Having psoriasis
      • A family history of psoriatic arthritis
      • Certain genetic markers, including HLA-B27
      • Being between the ages of 30 and 55
      • Previous joint injury or physical trauma
      • Obesity, which may increase inflammatory activity

    • There is no single test for psoriatic arthritis. Instead, diagnosis involves a detailed assessment of your symptoms, medical history, family history and clinical findings, supported by a combination of investigations.

      Understanding how psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed is important, as many inflammatory and degenerative joint conditions can present with similar symptoms.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our rheumatology specialists take a comprehensive and personalised approach to diagnosis, working closely with radiologists and other specialists where required.

      Your psoriatic arthritis specialists will likely begin your consultation with a physical exam. During this, they will: 

      • Look at your joints for swelling or tenderness
      • Check your fingernails for discoloration, pitting or peeling
      • Press on the bottoms of your feet and around your heels to check for sore areas

      A range of psoriatic arthritis diagnosis tests may be recommended to support diagnosis and exclude other conditions. 

      Psoriatic arthritis diagnosis tests include: 

      • X-rays, to show changes in the joints that are not seen in other types of arthritis
      • MRI scans, to evaluate the tendons and ligaments in the feet and lower back
      • Rheumatoid factor test (RF test), to look for the antibody possessed in those with Rheumatoid arthritis
      • Joint fluid test, where a small sample of fluid from the swollen joint is taken and tested for uric acid crystals

      Different conditions require different scans, and you may be recommended several scans as part of our assessment. 

    • Understanding how to treat psoriatic arthritis begins with tailoring treatment to the severity of symptoms, the joints involved and the impact on your daily life.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, treatment plans are personalised and designed to control inflammation, relieve symptoms, preserve joint function and support long-term wellbeing.

      Treatment options may include:

      Medications

      • NSAIDs, such as Ibuprofen, can help with pain and swelling
      • Conventional DMARDs, which slow down the disease and prevent lasting joint damage
      • Biologic DMARDs, which target specific parts of the immune system causing joint inflammation
      • Targeted synthetic DMARDs, used to lessen inflammation if conventional DMARDs and biologic agents haven’t helped
      • Newer oral medicine, used for mild to moderate arthritis if you cannot take conventional DMARDs

      Your Mayo Clinic specialist will create a personalised treatment plan tailored to optimise your symptoms, minimise your risk, and support your long-term health and well-being.

      Therapies

      Physical and occupational therapy can help lessen pain and improve movement. If your consultant believes therapy is beneficial to your recovery, we will refer you to a physiotherapist. 

      Surgery and other procedures

      • Steroid injections, which are used sparingly to avoid weakening of the tendons, but work to quickly lessen swelling and pain
      • Joint replacement surgery, if a joint has been seriously damaged by psoriatic arthritis, your consultant may recommend surgery to replace it with an artificial joint and can refer you to another clinic for surgery.

    • Patients choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare for access to internationally recognised expertise, advanced diagnostics and highly personalised care.

      Our approach combines:

      • Experienced psoriatic arthritis specialists
      • Comprehensive diagnostic assessment using advanced imaging and laboratory testing
      • Multidisciplinary collaboration across rheumatology, radiology, physiotherapy and other specialties
      • Highly personalised treatment planning tailored to your condition and lifestyle
      • Access to world-class healthcare in the heart of central London
      • The clinical expertise and patient-centred philosophy associated with the Mayo Clinic name

    Private health insurance for rheumatology treatment

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a private assessment

    If you are experiencing symptoms of psoriatic arthritis or would like a specialist assessment, our rheumatology team can provide expert evaluation and personalised recommendations.

    Whether you require a test for psoriatic arthritis, a second opinion, or ongoing treatment, our specialists are here to help.

    To get in touch, call us on +44 (0) 204 654 0592 or alternatively, request an appointment on our website.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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