Have Had Psoriatic Arthritis. Pain In Hand And Knee. X-rays Showed Moderate Arthritic Changes. Advice?

Posted on Wed, 15 Aug 2012

Question: Have had psoriatic arthritis, diagnosed about 6 years ago. Having considerable pain in hands, knees and hips. See medical history as far as surgeries. Recent x-rays confirm moderate arthritic changes. Have not seen anyone other than GP who ordered xrays saying "normal" to me via phone. I am wondering if I should see an orthopedic surgeon to have the actual x-rays reviewed. I am trying to avoid what occurred on my foot a year ago following 18 mos of pain and ultimately arthritis pinched off a tendon and I had to have a fusion to stop pain. Not sure at one point do I need an evaluation under these circumstances; primary GP seems unconcerned. Rheumatologist suggests various injections.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Praveen Tayal (1 hour later)

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
You have been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Since you are having a considerable pain in the joints, it needs to be properly treated so that you can maintain a functional lifestyle.
Consulting an orthopedician to review the X-rays and further treatment will be helpful. Disease modifying drugs and steroids do need a careful monitoring and dosage regulation which are best done under the care of an orthopedician.
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar