From healthcentral.com
Best known for causing joint pain and skin issues, PsA can also bring on dizziness and low libido
With psoriatic arthritis (PsA), the most common symptoms are joint pain and skin issues, like plaques, according to Zhanna Mikulik, M.D., a rheumatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center in Columbus, OH. But other less-common symptoms can sometimes appear. “In some cases, you may have only one issue, like eye disease, or stiffness without pain,” she says. “That’s why it’s important to know all the potential symptoms, rather than waiting for plaques or aching joints.” If you’ve already been diagnosed with PsA, you’ll want these lesser known symptoms on your radar.
Hearing Loss
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In a study in The Journal of Rheumatology, researchers looked at 60 people with PsA with no history of problems with inner ear infections or other conditions that might affect hearing. They found that 60% of participants had abnormal hearing loss, which suggests PsA may contribute to inner ear damage. Another study of more than 10,000 people found similar results; those researchers suggested chronic inflammation from PsA affects the structure of the inner ear. The researchers noted that hearing loss may impact mental health, too. If you’ve been diagnosed with PsA and are having trouble hearing, talk to your doctor.
Dizziness
Your inner ear is responsible for preventing dizziness and vertigo. So along with hearing issues, inner ear inflammation can lead to other symptoms such as poor balance and dizziness. These effects can be particularly pronounced if you're taking medications such as antidepressants, sleep aids, or blood pressure drugs, according to Anca Askanase, M.D., a professor of medicine in the division of rheumatology at Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York City. Dizziness can also worsen if you're dealing with dehydration, low blood sugar, or low blood pressure, in addition to your PsA, she adds.
Low Libido
Recent research suggests that people with psoriatic arthritis are more likely to experience sexual dysfunction than those without the condition. Physical discomfort during intimacy, anxiety about lack of desire, and side effects from treatment can play a role, says psychotherapist Lee Phillips, Ed.D, a certified sex and couples therapist in New York City and Washington DC, and host of the Sex and Chronic Illness podcast. “PsA and other chronic diseases tend to disrupt the desire and arousal phases of the sexual response cycle,” Phillips says. “Talking to your health provider or a therapist can be hugely helpful for navigating this issue.”
Tendon Pain
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Enthesitis, which is inflammation at the insertion sites of tendons and ligaments into the bone (called entheses), is seen in up to 40% of people with psoriatic arthritis, says Dr. Mikulik. Unlike joint pain, which can feel sharp and deep within a joint, enthesitis is usually an ongoing ache that comes with tenderness. One common example in people with PsA is plantar fasciitis, which causes a “stretched too tight” feeling in the tendon on the bottom of the foot. Enthesitis can also target the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and heel of the foot. Stretching, meds, and ice can all help.
Dactylitis (a.k.a. Sausage Fingers)
Sometimes called “sausage fingers,” dactylitis is characterized by swollen, painful fingers and toes. This can affect just one digit or several, says Dr. Mikulik. Unless it’s managed, she adds, ongoing swelling may cause damage to the affected joints and make it difficult to do everyday activities. Usually, with PsA, the swelling is asymmetrical—for example, you may notice issues with your right hand and left foot. Research suggests about 40% of people with PsA deal with dactylitis. Like other PsA symptoms, dactylitis is related to uncontrolled inflammation, so treatment options address that cause.
Eye Issues
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Inflammation with psoriatic arthritis can also severely affect the eyes. The most common outcome is conjunctivitis (a.k.a. “pink eye”), which is seen in around 20% of people with PsA, says Dr. Mikulik. “This presents as redness, itching, tearing, and possibly crusting of the eye,” she notes. “It happens when the outer membrane of the eyeball and inner eyelid become inflamed.” Another concern is uveitis—a condition that can cause redness, eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurry vision. Dr. Mikulik says it occurs in about 7% of those with PsA. Conjunctivitis is usually treated with an antibiotic, while steroids are typically prescribed for uveitis.
Depression
Any chronic disease can prompt emotional health challenges, and PsA is no exception, says Dr. Phillips. A study in Rheumatology and Therapy found depression affects about 20% of those with PsA—but that number may be higher, as not everyone with psoriatic arthritis and depression gets diagnosed. The study suggests that depression is more likely if PsA is accompanied by an additional chronic disease, known as a comorbidity. If you’re struggling with sadness, anger, or irritability, be sure to bring it up with your doctor so you can start on the path to feeling like yourself again.
Lower Back Pain
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