MyPsoriasisTeam

Can psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis cause the neuropathy you're experiencing?

There may be a connection between your psoriatic arthritis and neuropathy, though the relationship isn't entirely straightforward. Research shows that neuropathy does occur in some people with psoriatic arthritis, with studies finding that about Show Full Answer

Can psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis cause the neuropathy you're experiencing?

There may be a connection between your psoriatic arthritis and neuropathy, though the relationship isn't entirely straightforward. Research shows that neuropathy does occur in some people with psoriatic arthritis, with studies finding that about 27% of people with PsA had likely neuropathic pain.

However, recent studies suggest that nerve problems might not be directly caused by PsA itself. Instead, people with PsA often have other health issues that can affect the nerves, which may explain why nerve symptoms are more common in this group.

You may be more likely to experience neuropathy if you have more severe PsA. People with nerve pain were more likely to have symptoms like swollen joints and dactylitis (swollen fingers or toes). What else could be contributing?

The chronic inflammation from psoriasis can increase your risk of metabolic syndrome, which includes conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Diabetes, in particular, is a common cause of neuropathy and can lead to the numbness and tingling you're describing in your feet, hands, arms, and legs.

If you have comorbid conditions along with your psoriasis, such as diabetes, you could certainly have neuropathy associated with that rather than from the psoriasis itself.

Given your long history with psoriasis and recent psoriatic arthritis diagnosis, it's worth discussing with your healthcare team whether metabolic screening might be helpful, as managing these conditions could potentially help with your nerve symptoms. Managing your symptoms

Keeping your PsA under control with treatments like disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), biologics, or JAK inhibitors can minimize flares and may help lessen symptoms like neuropathy.

Since neuropathy can lead to a higher risk of infections or injuries (you may not notice if a problem develops in areas you can't feel), regularly check affected areas like your feet for signs of infection or damage. Physical activity is also good for nerve health, though you should check with your healthcare provider about which exercises are safe for you.

A MyPsoriasisTeam member shared similar experiences: "My neuropathy was the worst today. I wish my feet didn't hurt so much."

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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