Do people with psoriasis become likely candidates to develop psoriatic arthritis ?
Unfortunately the answer is yes: they are more likely. There is a direct correlation between psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Approximately 30-35% of people who have skin psoriasis may develop psoriatic arthritis. Most of the time, the psoriasis is diagnosed before psoriatic arthritis. The opposite can occur but less likely.There is an important genetic component to this.When someone has psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis in the family they have the same probability of developing psoriasis as well.
The psoriatic arthritis symptoms are painful, swollen joints, nail changes and morning joint stiffness.Psoriatic arthritis can sometimes be symmetrical , as in affecting the same parts of the body on both sides or asymmetrical. There is no relationship between where psoriasis is and where psoriatic arthritis will manifest in the body. For example, if someone has psoriasis on the elbows, it does not mean that arthritis will manifest in the elbows. Also, if someone has scalp psoriasis for example, there is no way to predict where the psoriatic arthritis will manifest itself. Same, some people will have both knees affected by it, while other will have the right wrist and left ankle. There is no rhyme or reason to it.
Psoriatic arthritis occurs commonly in ankles, knees and the lower back. There are no blood tests that can positively identify psoriatic arthritis.
While the cause of psoriatic arthritis is unknown, we do know that the body’s own immune system triggers the excessive inflammation in the joints. It can develop slowly or quickly and the symptoms may be mild or severe and one or more joints may be involved. Like psoriasis, the joints may flare, get better and flare again. Inflammation leads to pain, stiffness and swelling of the involved joints.
A quick guide: if you have Psoriasis and any of the following symptoms, you may also have Psoriatic Arthritis.
- Stiffness, pain, swelling or tenderness of joints
- Morning stiffness lasting at more than half an hour
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Lower back or neck pain, associated with stiffness, that worsens with rest and improves with activity
- Reduction in a normal range of movement of joints and/or spine
- Tendonitis
- Unexplained Fatigue
Important ; if you have Psoriasis and you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it is important that you speak to your Family Physician who can refer you to a skin specialist Dermatologist or to a Rheumatologist who specializes in Arthritis.
Early treatment is important in preventing the possible debilitating effects of arthritis. Organic Sulfur OS can help assist skin conditions like psoriasis, acne and liver spots. Sulfur is needed to maintain cell membrane permeability. This is important to ensure that the nutrients are delivered to the cells and toxins and other waste products can exit. A lack or Sulfur prevents the transport of free radicals , chemicals and foreign particles out of the cells, which, if not excreted , can lead to many allergic reactions such as asthma, ear nose throat infections, hay fever, headaches,fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Organic Sulfur plays a part in tissue respiration , the process whereby oxygen is used to build new cells .The lack of Sulfur can can cause replaced cells being dysfunctional and lead to serious health related problems. Organic Sulfur will help the immune system inhibit chemical carcinogens .
OS is a required mineral element found in the proteins of most tissues in the body such as skin,blood vessels, hair and nails. Sulfur makes up the flexible disulphide bonds within protein structure in tissues which provide movement and elasticity. OS helps reduce Muscle Inflammation and Joint Pain by increasing tissue flexibility. OS is also necessary for healing and repair of tissues from internal injury with efficient elimination of free radicals and toxins.
Many patients who are successfully treating both their skin and joints after many years of not caring to treat their psoriatic arthritis are happy with their ability to move and be free from the fatigue and morning stiffness that they once had endured. Get your life back again. Optimize your Health with Organic Sulfur OS.
Duke Stevenson
Owner Organic Sulfur OS
