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How is psoriatic arthritis tested——how do you determine if it is osteoarthritis or psoriatic arthritis.

A MyPsoriasisTeam Member asked a question 💭
Mississippi State, MS

I am 78 and had osteoarthritis in my hands——developed Psorosis and seems within a year i have it all throughout my body, but none of the drs seem to be able to determine what kind—-they basically say it is from “old age”. If it is psoriatic arthritis wouldn’t it be treated differently?????

January 28, 2023
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A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

You should see a rheumatologist. They can determine if it’s psoriatic arthritis. There isn’t an actual test but they will check your joints and may do X-rays. Hope you get some answers soon.

January 28, 2023
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

PsA causes a lot of swelling and joint pain that can move from joint to joint where OA stays put. PsA is accompanied by a lot of muscle pain attached to the involved joint.

Consider finding a better rheumatologist. Just because you are older doesn't mean you should suffer!

July 14, 2023
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Yes it would be treated very differently! Only a rheumatologist would be able to do the proper testing for you to be diagnosed

January 29, 2023
MyPsoriasisTeam

To determine if it is osteoarthritis (OA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), doctors use a combination of methods:

Diagnostic Methods for Psoriatic Arthritis
- Medical History and Examination: Dermatologists and rheumatologists take a detailed medical history, including any family members with psoriasis or autoimmune Show Full Answer

To determine if it is osteoarthritis (OA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA), doctors use a combination of methods:

Diagnostic Methods for Psoriatic Arthritis:
- Medical History and Examination: Dermatologists and rheumatologists take a detailed medical history, including any family members with psoriasis or autoimmune diseases. A physical exam follows to check for symptoms.
- Blood Tests: These can identify inflammatory markers like erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein, which are elevated in PsA. PsA does not have specific autoimmune markers.
- Imaging Tests: X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI help diagnose PsA and determine disease progression. Ultrasound can recognize specific inflammatory patterns in PsA.
- Joint Fluid Analysis: Analyzing fluid from affected joints can confirm PsA.

Diagnostic Methods for Osteoarthritis:
- Imaging Tests: X-rays are the first line of diagnosis for OA, showing cartilage wear. MRI is used as a second-line tool.
- Blood Tests: OA does not show signs in blood tests. Lack of inflammation in blood tests can indicate OA.

Key Differences:
- Cause: PsA is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy tissues. OA involves the wearing away of cartilage between joints.
- Inflammation: PsA shows inflammatory markers in blood tests, while OA does not.

Similarities:
- Imaging Tests: Both conditions use X-rays, ultrasound, and MRI for diagnosis.

By combining these methods, doctors can differentiate between PsA and OA and develop an effective treatment plan.

July 21, 2024

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