Psoriatic Arthritis Complications More Likely to be Found in Black Patients

Do you know how sometimes certain medical conditions just aren’t mentioned or talked about enough in the Black community? Like, the “what ifs” or the possibility of “what could go wrong?” Well, psoriatic arthritis is one of those medical conditions that I believe the Black community needs to shed more light on. Psoriatic arthritis complications are found more often in the Black community than one may think, and we actually experience more undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can severely damage your joints if left untreated.

Psoriatic arthritis, in simple terms, is a form of arthritis that comes with a skin rash. It affects some people who have psoriasis. More often than not, most people will develop psoriasis years before ever being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. 

Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis

• Joint pain, stiffness and swelling(may occur in the spine, leading to the neck, lower back and hips)
• Inflamed fingers or toes
• Foot pain
• Itching
• Skin rash
• Eye inflammation 
• Fatigue/lack of energy
• Small dents in the nails

Factors that may increase your risk of psoriatic arthritis:

• Having psoriasis (this is the greatest risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis)
• Having a family history of psoriatic arthritis
• Your age

RELATED: Which Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Is Right For You?

Psoriatic arthritis in the Black community: The Black community experiences more undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, more complications, and receives less treatment compared to other ethnicities. How so? Well, some barriers cause this.

Barriers to competent care and healthcare professionals (think about the communities where most Black individuals live and work), thus making it challenging for Black individuals to receive an early diagnosis.

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Additionally, Black Americans are at a higher risk for many of the secondary medical conditions that come with psoriatic arthritis. This includes diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

What is the Most Serious Complication of Psoriatic Arthritis?

While psoriatic arthritis (PsA) can lead to various serious complications, the most serious and disabling complication is generally considered to be arthritis mutilans.

Here’s why:

• Severe Joint Destruction: Arthritis mutilans is a rare but aggressive form of PsA that leads to the destruction and resorption of the small bones in the hands and feet, particularly the fingers and toes.
• Permanent Deformity and Disability: This bone destruction results in severe deformities, shortening of the digits, and significant loss of function. It can make everyday tasks extremely difficult or impossible, leading to substantial disability.
• Pain: The process is often accompanied by significant and chronic pain.

While other complications of PsA are also serious and can significantly impact a person’s health and quality of life, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, uveitis (eye inflammation leading to vision loss), and inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis mutilans directly and severely impacts mobility and hand/foot function in a way that can be profoundly disabling.

It’s important to note that with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment of PsA, the development of arthritis mutilans is becoming less common. However, it remains the most feared complication due to its destructive nature.

How do you Detect Psoriatic Arthritis?

Detecting psoriatic arthritis involves a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, medical history (especially regarding psoriasis), a thorough physical examination, and often the use of blood tests and imaging studies to rule out other conditions and identify characteristic features of PsA. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to manage symptoms and prevent joint damage. If you have psoriasis and develop joint pain, stiffness, or swelling, it’s essential to consult your doctor.

As psoriatic arthritis complications are found more often in the Black community, it’s super important to find a culturally sensitive healthcare provider/receive quality care.

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Early diagnosis (imaging, like an X-ray or MRI, and lab tests, like joint fluid tests) can be done to prevent more severe complications and ensure proper treatment plans/plans of action.

Having a healthcare provider you trust provides a respectful understanding and open communication between you and your doctor, leading to a better outcome.

Can Psoriatic Arthritis go Away?

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis. Treatment for psoriatic arthritis is solely aimed at managing/controlling symptoms (inflammation, joint pain, etc.) and preventing severe joint damage. Keep in mind that without treatment, psoriatic arthritis can be disabling. This is why it’s vital to always stay on top of your health and inquire about early symptoms and signs of any condition.

Managing and reducing complications of psoriatic arthritis include:

• Taking physical, occupational or massage therapy 
• Being physical/staying active
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Reducing or stopping smoking altogether
• Limiting or stopping drinking alcohol altogether
• Following through on treatment plans
• Being on a heart-healthy diet plan(cut out junk/unhealthy foods and drinks)
• Taking prescribed medications. Such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that reduce inflammation and relieve psoriatic arthritis-related pain, and also disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Which can slow the progression of psoriatic arthritis and save the joints and other tissues from severe and permanent damage
• Taking steroid injections can reduce inflammation
• Joint replacement surgery (for more severe cases of psoriatic arthritis) for the joints that have been severely damaged can be replaced with artificial ones (plastic and metal)

Non-drug options that may ease symptoms of psoriatic arthritis:

• Swimming
• Yoga 
• Walking 
• Warm compress
• Practicing tai chi

I encourage you to speak with your trusted healthcare provider about psoriatic arthritis. Especially if you have psoriasis or you have a family health history of psoriatic arthritis. Don’t wait until it’s too late, as the decision to visit a doctor can prevent severe and permanent joint damage.