Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do share quite a few similarities, but there are also some key differences worth knowing about.
What they have in common
- Both are autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks joint tissue
- Both cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue
- Both can Show Full Answer
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) do share quite a few similarities, but there are also some key differences worth knowing about.
What they have in common:
- Both are autoimmune conditions where the immune system attacks joint tissue
- Both cause joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue
- Both can be treated with many of the same medications, including NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs like methotrexate and biologics Key differences include:
- RA tends to cause symmetrical joint pain (e.g., both wrists), while PsA is often asymmetrical
- RA more commonly affects the hands, wrists, and neck, while PsA more often affects the feet and lower back
- PsA is linked to the skin condition psoriasis, which RA is not
- PsA can cause "sausage fingers" (dactylitis) and nail changes, which are not typical in RA
- Some medications work for one but not the other, so getting the right diagnosis really matters
If there's ever any confusion about symptoms, a rheumatologist is the best person to help sort it out!
June 10
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