What does PsA feel like?

PsA (psoriatic arthritis) is an inflammatory immune-mediated disease, but its effects can go far beyond that.¹² As well as causing tiredness, pain, stiffness and swelling, you may find it difficult to sleep and notice nail changes or even redness and pain in your eyes.² It’s also common for people with PsA to feel frustrated and unhappy, especially as you may find it harder to do simple things you took for granted.¹ Social and psychological difficulties are common in people with PsA¹ – you’re twice as likely to suffer from depression than if you have psoriasis alone.³ If you have PsA and are feeling low, whether or not this is because your symptoms aren’t under control, please speak to your doctor so that your physical or mental health, or both, can be treated.

If you suffer from PsA, you may already know that it can appear to come and go.⁴ At times, your symptoms may seem under control, but at other times not as much.⁴ You may suffer mildly at one point, and severely at another.²⁴ If you feel that your PsA isn’t under control, it’s important to speak to your healthcare professional – we’ve put together some tips to help you. If PsA isn’t properly treated it can lead to permanent joint damage,⁴ but your doctor is there to help you, and to make sure you’re on the right treatment for you.

Below, you’ll find the common symptoms of PsA, although not everyone has all of them² – which do you recognise?