Denver Arthritis Center offers referred infusion care for new patients | Learn More
Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects both the joints and the skin. It often develops in people who have psoriasis, but joint symptoms may appear first for some patients. Psoriatic arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue that interfere with daily life. Without proper treatment, it may lead to permanent joint damage. Early diagnosis and personalized care play a critical role in protecting your joints and improving long-term quality of life.
At Denver Arthritis Clinic, our rheumatologists have decades of experience diagnosing and treating psoriatic arthritis. We understand how complex this condition can be and how different it looks from person to person. Since 1976, we have helped patients across Colorado manage inflammatory arthritis with evidence-based care, advanced therapies, and a compassionate approach. Our team focuses on treating both joint inflammation and skin symptoms, not just one or the other.
If you are experiencing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness along with psoriasis, you do not have to manage it alone. Our specialists are here to help you find relief and protect your long-term joint health. Request an appointment today to take the next step toward effective psoriatic arthritis treatment.
Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which means the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to inflammation in the joints, tendons, and skin. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and often come and go in flares.
Common psoriatic arthritis symptoms include joint pain and stiffness, swelling in the fingers or toes, heel or foot pain, lower back discomfort, and fatigue. Many patients also experience nail changes, such as pitting or separation from the nail bed. Skin symptoms may include red, scaly patches that can appear anywhere on the body.
Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis can be challenging because its symptoms overlap with other forms of arthritis. There is no single test that confirms the condition. Your psoriatic arthritis doctor will review your medical history, examine your joints and skin, and may order blood work or imaging such as X-rays . These tools help rule out other conditions and identify inflammation or joint damage.
Early diagnosis matters. Starting treatment sooner can slow disease progression, reduce pain, and help prevent permanent joint damage.
Treating psoriatic arthritis means addressing both the joint inflammation and the skin problems. At Denver Arthritis Clinic, we take time to understand how the condition affects you specifically. We'll ask about your symptoms, examine your joints and skin, and may order blood tests or X-rays to see what's happening inside your body.
Many people start with medications that calm down the overactive immune system. These disease-modifying drugs help reduce inflammation in both your joints and your skin. Common options include methotrexate, which works for both psoriasis and joint symptoms. Some patients take medications like apremilast or leflunomide. Your doctor will help you find the right medication based on how severe your symptoms are and how you respond to treatment.
For patients who need stronger treatment, infusion therapy can make a dramatic difference. These medications are given directly into your bloodstream through an IV, allowing for more targeted and often more effective treatment. Many people see improvement in both their joint pain and skin symptoms.
The infusion medications we offer for psoriatic arthritis include:
Each medication works a bit differently to reduce inflammation. Your psoriatic arthritis specialist will recommend the best option based on your symptoms, medical history, and insurance coverage. Some of these medications help clear your skin while they're reducing joint inflammation, which many patients find really encouraging.
Our infusion center makes treatment as comfortable as possible. We maintain a 3:1 nurse-to-patient ratio for personalized care. Doctors are always on site. You'll relax in comfortable recliners with wireless internet, and we provide snacks and drinks. We handle all the insurance coordination and help you find copay assistance programs. As an outpatient facility, we typically cost less than hospital-based services.
When specific joints need extra relief, we can give you injections right where you need them most. These include steroid (cortisone) injections that quickly reduce swelling and pain. We use ultrasound guidance when needed to make sure the medication goes exactly where it should. Many patients find these injections give them the relief they need to stay active while their other medications start working.
Accurate diagnosis leads to better treatment. That's why we offer on-site X-ray services. X-rays help us see joint damage, track how your condition changes over time, and spot problems early before they get worse. Having this technology right here means you get answers faster and more convenient care.
Living with psoriatic arthritis means dealing with challenges that other people don't always understand. Our team has helped thousands of patients manage both the joint and skin aspects of this condition. We've been doing this since 1976, nearly 50 years of experience helping people like you.
We know that treating psoriatic arthritis isn't one-size-fits-all. What works for one person might not work for another. That's why we take time to understand your specific situation and create a treatment plan that fits your life.
We also participate in clinical research studies [Clinical Research] exploring new treatments for psoriatic arthritis. If you're interested in learning about research opportunities, we're happy to discuss whether any current studies might be right for you.
Early signs of psoriatic arthritis often include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling that may be worse in the morning or after rest. Fingers and toes can appear swollen, sometimes described as sausage-like. Fatigue is also common and may feel out of proportion to daily activity. Some people notice nail changes such as pitting or lifting before joint symptoms appear. Because symptoms can be subtle at first, it is important to see a psoriatic arthritis doctor if you have psoriasis and begin experiencing joint discomfort.
Psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are both autoimmune conditions, but they affect the body differently. Psoriatic arthritis is closely linked to psoriasis and often involves the skin, nails, and tendons in addition to the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis usually affects joints symmetrically and does not involve skin plaques. Psoriatic arthritis can also affect the spine and cause swelling of entire fingers or toes. Accurate diagnosis helps ensure the most effective treatment plan.
Psoriatic arthritis treatment often includes medications that reduce immune system overactivity. These may include disease-modifying drugs like methotrexate, oral medications such as apremilast, and biologic therapies given by injection or infusion. Biologic medications target specific inflammatory pathways and are often used for moderate to severe disease. Your psoriatic arthritis specialist will recommend options based on symptom severity, skin involvement, and overall health.
There is currently no cure for psoriatic arthritis, but it can be effectively managed. With the right treatment, many patients achieve low disease activity or remission. Ongoing care helps control inflammation, reduce pain, and protect joints from long-term damage. Regular follow-up with a psoriatic arthritis specialist is essential to adjust treatment as needed and maintain quality of life.