Symptoms:

The arthritis may be mild and involve only a few joints, particularly those at the end of the fingers or toes. In some people the disease may be severe and affect many joints, including the spine. When the spine is affected, the symptoms are stiffness, burning, and pain, most often in the lower spine and sacrum.

People who also have arthritis usually have the skin and nail changes of psoriasis. Often, the skin gets worse at the same time as the arthritis.

Signs and tests:

During a physical exam, the health care provider will look for:

• Joint swelling
• Skin patches (psoriasis) and pitting in the nails
• Tenderness

Joint x-rays may be done.