Evaluating Joint Pain in Psoriasis Patients

Diagnosing psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis requires careful evaluation of joint pain symptoms. Many dermatologists may prematurely assume that joint pain indicates psoriatic arthritis, particularly since approximately 30% of psoriasis patients will develop it. Effective assessment involves asking specific questions about the nature of the pain, looking for signs of enthesitis such as persistent Achilles tendon or chest pain, and correlating these with the patient's history. Additionally, considering factors like morning stiffness and imaging techniques like ultrasound can aid in distinguishing inflammatory arthritis from other musculoskeletal issues.