Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/564437
MARYANN SHELUGA, MPAS, certified physician assistant at KishHealth System Physician Group, Genoa, answers frequently asked questions about psoriatic arthritis, which affects approximately 15 percent of psoriasis patients, according to the American College of Rheumatology. WHICH DEVELOPS FIRST, PSORIASIS OR ARTHRITIS? Sheluga: Most patients develop psoriasis first and are diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis later in life. WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? Sheluga: It is not entirely clear why the immune system attacks healthy tissue, but it seems both genetic and environmental factors play a role. Risk factors include having psoriasis, family history of psoriasis or arthritis, physical trauma, a viral or bacterial infection, and age. Psoriatic arthritis occurs most often from age 30 to 50. WHAT JOINTS ARE TYPICALLY AFFECTED BY PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS? Sheluga: Fingers and toes are most common, and the condition can cause painful, sausage-like swelling in these appendages. Foot pain is also common, especially at the points where the tendons and ligaments attach to the bones. Psoriatic arthritis can also cause back pain. WHEN SHOULD SOMEONE SEEK MEDICAL HELP? Sheluga: A patient should speak to his or her healthcare provider if he or she has psoriasis and develops joint pain. The key to a good result is to detect psoriatic arthritis early and treat it aggressively before extensive joint damage occurs. A variety of medications are available to treat the condition. INDIVIDUALS WITH PSORIASIS—A CHRONIC, SCALY, ITCHY SKIN RASH—ARE AT RISK FOR PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS, A PAINFUL INFLAMMATORY CONDITION. WHAT KIND OF Arthritis? Are you experiencing possible signs of arthritis? Find a KishHealth System Physician Group provider near you. Visit kpgcares.org. 2 CANCER CENTER OUR MISSION WELLNESS CLASSES AND PROGRAMS KishHealth System Cancer Center provides patients and families with education, support, and resources to deal with the many challenges presented by cancer. Generous donor support helps underwrite the cost of these programs. If you are interested in making a donation to improve the quality of life for those dealing with cancer, please contact the KishHealth System Foundation at 815.748.9954 or visit kishhealthfoundation.org. We are the cornerstone of healthcare for the communities we serve—the first choice for service, comfort, and safety. Look for a list of featured classes and programs in the Wellness Programs section toward the back of this issue. Most are free and require registration. Classes with low enrollment are generally canceled three days prior to the start date. Please register early. Register online at kishprograms.org.