Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in New Jersey

When it feels like your joints are working against you, finding relief can seem out of reach. At Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates, we make the impossible possible. With a team of board-certified specialists and a proven track record in psoriatic arthritis treatment, we’re here to help you reclaim your comfort and confidence. For five decades, we have focused on improving the lives of patients dealing with inflammatory arthritis and other chronic diseases. Our rheumatologists work closely with you to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and improve your ability to perform everyday tasks. We understand that living with psoriatic arthritis can be challenging, but with the right care, life can become more manageable. Whether you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, skin-related symptoms, or complications from other diseases, our practice is dedicated to finding the best treatment options for you.

Find the Most Advanced Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in New Jersey at Six Convenient Offices

We bring advanced care and innovative clinical trials closer to home with six conveniently located offices throughout New Jersey. Each location is staffed with experienced and compassionate physicians dedicated to helping you live your life with less pain and more ease.

Our offices are designed to accommodate your needs. No matter which location you visit, you’ll receive the same level of excellence and a team eager to help you regain control of your health and quality of life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at the office closest to you!

Understanding Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis often develops in individuals with psoriasis, an autoimmune condition that impacts the skin. As a form of inflammatory arthritis, it can cause swelling, pain, and damage to the affected joints. Other symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
  • Joint pain and stiffness: Often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity, this can affect the fingers, toes, or larger joints like the knees and spine.
  • Fatigue: A frequent yet overlooked symptom that can impact energy levels and daily activities.
  • Skin symptoms: Red, scaly patches associated with psoriasis are common and can appear before or alongside joint pain.
  • Nail changes: Pitting, thickening, or detachment of nails is often seen in individuals with Psoriatic Arthritis.
  • Reduced range of motion: Inflammation can limit the mobility of affected joints, making everyday tasks more challenging.
  • Eye inflammation: Conditions like uveitis can arise, causing redness, pain, or vision changes.
Since psoriatic arthritis shares common symptoms with other conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis, we are committed to accurately diagnosing PsA through a combination of physical exams, blood tests, and advanced imaging tests. With our expertise and personalized care, patients gain not only a better understanding of their condition but also access to the resources and treatment options needed for long-term relief and health.

How Is Psoriatic Arthritis Related to Psoriasis?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is related to psoriasis in that they are both chronic autoimmune disorders where the body’s immune response malfunctions and attacks healthy tissues. In some people with psoriasis, the immune system not only targets the skin but also triggers inflammation in the joints, leading to symptoms like pain, stiffness, and swelling. While not everyone with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis, up to 30% of people with the skin condition may experience joint pain, making early recognition and treatment crucial to prevent long-term damage. Scientists and doctors believe that genetics and environmental factors may play a role in developing psoriatic arthritis.

Are There Different Kinds of Psoriatic Arthritis?

The most common type of psoriatic arthritis is symmetric psoriatic arthritis, where joints in the same location on both sides of the body become inflamed and painful at the same time. In asymmetric psoriatic arthritis, joints in different parts of the body become affected simultaneously. And in distal psoriatic arthritis, the ends of the fingers and toes swell and stiffen, accompanied by pitting and peeling nails.

Some people with PsA develop a mild form of the disease with infrequent flare-ups of symptoms. Others suffer from a more aggressive condition where severe and frequent inflammation leads to debilitating pain and joint damage.

When to Consult a Psoriatic Arthritis Specialist

Knowing when to consult a medical doctor about psoriatic arthritis treatment is critical for managing symptoms effectively. If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, unexplained swelling, or skin symptoms typical of psoriasis, it’s essential to seek medical advice. The longer you wait to get psoriatic arthritis diagnosed, the higher the risk of developing complications that make the condition more challenging to manage.

We encourage patients to connect with our specialists when new or worsening symptoms arise. Our physicians can diagnose and treat psoriatic arthritis with personalized care plans that reduce flare-ups and enhance your quality of life.

Who Do I Trust for Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment and Diagnosis?

An experienced rheumatology specialist has the knowledge and experience to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the right psoriatic arthritis treatment for you. We’ll conduct a thorough physical exam, a detailed family and medical history, and a blood test to rule out rheumatoid arthritis, which has similar symptoms to psoriatic arthritis. X-rays or other imaging studies (like ultrasound) can be taken to determine if your joint damage is consistent with psoriatic arthritis.

How Does Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Work?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a complex autoimmune condition that requires a tailored treatment plan to manage symptoms and prevent long-term joint damage. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and maintain joint function while minimizing potential side effects. To slow disease progression and minimize joint damage, conventional disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cDMARDs) such as methotrexate may be used. These medications reduce inflammation over time, although they may take weeks to reach their full effectiveness. To provide relief quickly, your ARBDA rheumatologist may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain management and to reduce inflammation.  In more severe cases, corticosteroids (such as prednisone) may be taken by mouth or administered by injection to control inflammation and manage flare-ups. These medications are often the first line of treatment but do not prevent joint damage. The most advanced treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis involve using biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) that target specific pathways of the immune system that drive inflammation. Drugs such as TNF inhibitors and ID-6, IL-17, or IL-23 inhibitors have been shown to dramatically reduce symptoms by addressing inflammation at the cellular level. TNF inhibitors include HUMIRA (adalimumab), ENBREL (etanercept), SIMPONI ARIA (golimumab), and REMICADE (infliximab); ID-6, IL-17, or IL-23 inhibitors include COSENTYX (secukinumab) and STELARA (ustekinumab). For additional information about these arthritis medications, click here.  Recently, Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, a newer class of oral treatments which include XELJANZ (tofacitinib) and RINVIQ (upadacitinib), have emerged as effective options for reducing inflammation. Additionally, OTEZLA (apremilast), a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, offers an alternative treatment by regulating inflammatory pathways, especially in patients with milder forms of PsA.  Lifestyle modifications, including regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking, can also help improve overall outcomes and symptom control. Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic condition that requires long-term management by a rheumatologist to adjust treatment as needed and monitor disease progression over time. Effective management can help patients maintain mobility and improve their quality of life.

Our Expert Rheumatology Team

Our dedicated team at Arthritis, Rheumatic & Bone Disease Associates includes some of the most skilled and compassionate rheumatologists in the nation. Since 1974, we’ve been a trusted resource for patients across South Jersey and Philadelphia, providing leading care for Psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and other musculoskeletal conditions.

From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll feel the warmth and expertise that define our practice. Whether it’s diagnosing a chronic disease or adjusting your treatment plan to better meet your health goals, our mission remains the same: to improve your quality of life through education, advocacy, and innovative care.

Contact Us for Personalized Care

If you’re ready to explore effective psoriatic arthritis treatment, we’re here to help. At ARBDA, we pride ourselves on building lasting relationships with our patients by offering guidance and support at every step. So, take the first step toward relief today. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with New Jersey’s best rheumatologists. Together, we’ll create a path forward that prioritizes your health and well-being.