Mine started with a sausage pinkie and thumb on my left hand. My PCP did bloodwork and I’m so scared it won’t show anything. I’ve been in so much pain for so long.
August 31
Given a psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnosis, knee joint pain is absolutely worth taking seriously and following up on — you're right to be asking these questions!
A rheumatologist is really the most important specialist to see here. They focus specifically on inflammatory conditions like PsA and can assess whether your Show Full Answer
Given a psoriatic arthritis (PsA) diagnosis, knee joint pain is absolutely worth taking seriously and following up on — you're right to be asking these questions!
A rheumatologist is really the most important specialist to see here. They focus specifically on inflammatory conditions like PsA and can assess whether your knee pain is related to your PsA progressing. X-rays don't always show early joint changes with PsA. An MRI or ultrasound can detect inflammation and joint damage that X-rays miss entirely. It's worth asking about these imaging options. Regarding blood work, a rheumatologist may order tests including:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) — measures inflammation levels
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) — another inflammation marker
- HLA-B27 — a gene sometimes associated with PsA involving joints like knees An orthopedic doctor focuses more on structural/mechanical joint issues, whereas a rheumatologist specializes in inflammatory joint conditions. Since PsA is an inflammatory condition, a rheumatologist would likely be the better first step before orthopedics.
Early treatment is key to preventing long-term joint damage, so pushing for a rheumatology referral sooner rather than later is a really smart move.
August 25
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