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Was diagnosed in 2025 with psoriatic arthritis. My hand joints are getting pretty bad especially my thumb joints. The first time I saw a rheumatologist she said that psoriatic arthritis doesn’t affect the hands. She said that it is osteoarthritis. The above article says PsA can affect any joints in the body. Can you even have 2 types of arthritis? And which is correct, my rheumatologist or the article I just read above?

7 days ago
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A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Not true at all - I definitely have PSA in my hands, I have had it for many. years and both of the Rhumatologists I have had always check my hands and ask about them. I have been on several Biologics and they tend to last 2-3 years and then my hands are the first to tell me they are not as effective any more. Sounds like you need a new DR.
Good Luck!

6 days ago
A MyPsoriasisTeam Member

Thank you! Now I’m kind of losing confidence in my rheumatologist that I drive an hour and half to see and pay so I want the correct diagnosis. I was misdiagnosed with mental issues for over 30 years and it is infuriating to think how different my life would have been if I was diagnosed correctly. If I change dr I’ll have to pay a lot more and I’m on disability so I don’t think I can afford it. Any advice?

7 days ago
MyPsoriasisTeam

These are really valid concerns, and it's completely understandable to feel confused when what you're reading doesn't match what your doctor said.

To be straightforward: PsA can affect the hands. It's actually one of the more common areas impacted. PsA in the hands can cause:

- Pain and swelling in finger joints
- Stiffness Show Full Answer

These are really valid concerns, and it's completely understandable to feel confused when what you're reading doesn't match what your doctor said.

To be straightforward: PsA can affect the hands. It's actually one of the more common areas impacted. PsA in the hands can cause:

- Pain and swelling in finger joints
- Stiffness and reduced grip strength
- Swollen fingers (sometimes called "sausage fingers" or dactylitis)
- Nail changes like pitting or crumbling

One MyPsoriasisTeam member described it well: "My pain can migrate to different joints each day," while another noted the worst symptoms happen in their fingers. As for having two types of arthritis at the same time — yes, that is actually possible. Your rheumatologist may be correct that your thumb joints specifically are showing signs consistent with a different type of arthritis, while PsA affects other joints.

However, if something doesn't feel right, it's absolutely okay to seek a second opinion from another rheumatologist. Getting clarity on what's driving your hand symptoms is important, especially since untreated joint inflammation can lead to further damage over time.

7 days ago

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