(910) 762-1182 | Facebook About Diseases Treated Medical Services News Contact Pay Bill PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis associated with a chronic skin disease called psoriasis. Psoriasis causes small sized to large sized patches of red, scaly, itchy skin. Patches of psoriasis frequently are present over bony prominences such as the elbows and the knees. Psoriasis may also involve your scalp or your bellybutton. Psoriasis affects 1-2% of the population. Of these patients with psoriasis approximately 10% will go on to develop a type of inflammatory arthritis. Besides skin involvement, nail lesions called pitting are frequently present especially in those patients who have arthritis of the DIP joints, those joints closest to your fingernails. Most of the time the arthritis begins after the patient has had skin disease for a number of years. However sometimes the arthritis may be the initial presenting feature and occasionally the arthritis and skin lesions present together. Psoriatic arthritis may have several different types of presentations. The most common is involvement of just a few joints (less than 5) in an asymmetric pattern. Some patients with psoriatic arthritis may resemble a patient with rheumatoid arthritis with multiple joints in a symmetrical pattern. Some patients may have a predominance of involvement of the spine (spondylitis) and some patients may have digits that look like sausages (dactylitis). Other patients may have lots of inflammation where tendons attach to bone (enthesitis). The diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis can best be made by a rheumatologist who is aware of the many subtleties of this disease. There is no one special blood test that helps make this diagnosis. X-rays can sometimes assist in the diagnosis. A careful history, and a detailed physical examination with special attention to the joints, skin, and nails are most important. Once the diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis is made your rheumatologist will devise a treatment strategy for you. Milder types of psoriatic arthritis may respond to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen, diclofenac, or indomethacin. Patients failing to respond to NSAIDs are now treated with biologics. These are newer therapies developed over the past 15 years that target specific chemicals involved in the inflammatory process. Biologics have the best chance of improving symptoms of joint pain and swelling and also limiting long-term damage from the arthritis. They also frequently bring about a marked improvement in the skin disease. Rheumatologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of psoriatic arthritis. With the advent of newer therapies the majority of patients can live healthy productive lives. DEC 1, 2020 Seven Tips for Balancing Arthritis Care with Holiday Cheer The holidays are officially here, and I don’t think we have ever been so excited for a fresh new holiday season! The holidays provide a unique opportunity to spend quality time with family, take some time off of work, revel in some downtime, and celebrate traditions. However, while this can be a joyous time, it […] Read More » NOV 2, 2020 An Arthritis-Friendly Home Makeover When you have arthritis, stiffness, pain, and swelling can make everyday tasks much more challenging. In addition, your mobility can be compromised by this chronic condition, so it’s crucial to set up your home for maximum ease and comfort. Fortunately, you can make life easier and your home more functional. Start with this room-by-room approach […] Read More » JUN 7, 2020 Eight Walking Strategies for Those That Suffer from Arthritis For those who have arthritis, exercise is excellent medicine. Low impact exercise eases joint pain, fights off fatigue, and can cause your body to release endorphins that help relieve pain and improve mindset. If you’re looking for an easy and inexpensive way to active, try walking. And there is no better time to get started […] Read More » APPOINTMENTS Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your first appointment and plan to be in the office for 2 hours. Please bring the following items with you: Insurance card(s) Co-pay and/or coinsurance payment - cash, check, MasterCard, Visa, Discover Completed System Review Form Signed Payment Policy Signed HIPAA Consent/Authorization Signed Acknowledgement of Privacy Practices/Assignment of Benefits Completed Patient Registration Current medication bottles/ Medical Records from other physicians PATIENT FORMS New Patient Packet Download, view and complete our New Patient Packet DOWNLOAD PACKET Patient System Review Download, view and complete the Patient System Review Form DOWNLOAD PACKET Release Authorization Form Download, view and complete our Release Authorization Form DOWNLOAD PACKET CONTACT Carolina Arthritis 1710 South 17th Street Wilmington, NC 28401 tel. 910.762.1182 fax 910.762.1291 Hours of Operation M - Th. 8:00 am - 4:30pm GET DIRECTIONS OUR MEDICAL SERVICES BONE DENSITOMETRY INFUSIONS LABORATORY MUSCULOSKELETAL ULTRASOUND CLINICAL RESEARCH X-RAYS VIEW SERVICES OUR TREATMENTS RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS OSTEOPOROSIS VASCULITIS PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS GOUT SJOGREN’S SYNDROME SCLERODERMA SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS INSIDE CAROLINA ARTHRITIS Since its founding in 1991, Carolina Arthritis Associates has been leading the way in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis, musculoskeletal disorders, connective tissue diseases, autoimmune illnesses and osteoporosis. CONTACT US © 2021. Carolina Arthritis. All rights reserved. | Privacy Policy Website design and hosting provided by Sage Island