Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and osteoarthritis (OA) are both types of arthritis, but they have different causes, symptoms, and treatments. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between the two conditions so that you can get the right treatment.
What is Psoriatic Arthritis?
PsA is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, and nails. It is caused by an overactive immune system that attacks healthy cells. PsA can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness
- Skin psoriasis, which is characterized by red, itchy patches of skin
- Nail pitting, which is caused by small holes in the nails
PsA can affect any joint in the body, but it most commonly affects the hands, wrists, feet, ankles, and spine. The symptoms of PsA can come and go over time, and they can range from mild to severe.
What is Osteoarthritis?
OA is a degenerative joint disease that is caused by the wear and tear of cartilage, the protective tissue that cushions the ends of bones. OA is most common in older adults, and it affects the weight-bearing joints, such as the hips, knees, and spine. The symptoms of OA can include:
- Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling
- Loss of joint flexibility
- Grating or popping noises in the joints
- Bone spurs, which are bony growths that can form around the joints
OA can cause significant pain and disability, and it can make it difficult to perform everyday activities.
How to Tell the Difference Between PsA and OA
There is no single test that can definitively diagnose PsA or OA. However, your doctor will be able to make a diagnosis based on your medical history, physical exam, and laboratory tests.
Here is a table that summarizes some of the key differences between PsA and OA:
| Feature | Psoriatic Arthritis | Osteoarthritis |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Autoimmune disease | Wear and tear of cartilage |
| Age of onset | Can occur at any age | Most common in older adults |
| Symptoms | Joint pain, swelling, and stiffness; skin psoriasis; nail pitting | Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling; loss of joint flexibility; grating or popping noises in the joints; bone spurs |
| Affected joints | Can affect any joint in the body | Most commonly affects the weight-bearing joints |
| Pattern of symptoms | Symptoms can come and go over time | Symptoms tend to worsen over time |
| Treatment | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologic therapies | NSAIDs, physical therapy, joint replacement surgery |
It is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing any of the symptoms of PsA or OA. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to slow the progression of the disease and manage your symptoms.
Additional Resources
- National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org/
- Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/