It seems like you might be referring to "enthesitis." Here is some detailed information about enthesitis in the context of psoriatic arthritis (PsA):
What Is Enthesitis
- Definition: Enthesitis occurs when an enthesis (the point where a tendon or ligament attaches to a bone) and its surrounding tissues become inflamed.
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It seems like you might be referring to "enthesitis." Here is some detailed information about enthesitis in the context of psoriatic arthritis (PsA):
What Is Enthesitis?
- Definition: Enthesitis occurs when an enthesis (the point where a tendon or ligament attaches to a bone) and its surrounding tissues become inflamed.
- Function of Entheses: Entheses anchor the soft tissues that bind bones to muscles, ensuring smooth movement.
Connection to Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA)
- Prevalence: Enthesitis affects more than one-third of people with PsA.
- Symptoms: It often causes pain and limits movement (stiffness) in the affected joints. Commonly affected areas include:
- Achilles tendon (back of the heel)
- Lateral epicondyles (outside of the elbow)
- Plantar fascia (ligament connecting the heel to the front of the foot)
- Risk Factors: Those with enthesitis in PsA tend to be young, have severe cases of PsA, or have a high body mass index (BMI).
Diagnosis and Management
- Diagnosis: If you have psoriasis and start to feel pain in your feet, elbows, or hands, consult your doctor immediately about the possibility of PsA. Delaying diagnosis and treatment by even six months could lead to permanent joint damage and a lower quality of life.
- Management:
- Mechanical vs. PsA-Related Enthesitis: Mechanical enthesitis, caused by overuse or injury, can heal with proper care and avoiding repetitive movements. PsA-related enthesitis is often chronic and affects multiple entheses persistently.
- Treatment: Managing symptoms often involves working with a rheumatologist to develop a treatment plan that may include medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes.
Additional Notes
- Impact on Quality of Life: Enthesitis tends to correlate with worse health outcomes in people with PsA. It can lead to musculoskeletal pain and limit a person’s ability to move affected body parts.
- Associated Symptoms: People with enthesitis are more likely to experience other PsA symptoms such as nail psoriasis and dactylitis (swelling in the fingers and toes).
For more detailed information, you can refer to the article "Enthesitis and Psoriatic Arthritis: Elbow Pain, Hip Pain, and More" on MyPsoriasisTeam.
July 9, 2024