“A psoriatic arthritis flare-up is a temporary worsening of symptoms of arthritis, which includes swelling, pain and stiffness in your joints,” explains Dr. Sapkota. “It can also include swelling of the whole toes or fingers due to the swelling of the ligaments around the joint. And sometimes, psoriasis, a skin rash, can worsen at the same time as your joints.”
It can be hard to predict when you may have a flare-up — and the degree of pain and discomfort can vary from person to person.
Psoriatic arthritis flare-up symptoms include:
- Joint pain.
- Joint swelling.
- Joint tenderness.
- Fatigue.
- Difficulty moving.
How long do psoriatic arthritis flare-ups last?
A typical psoriatic arthritis flare-up can last anywhere from a few days to a week. It depends on the individual.
And it can vary on when you get them. You may experience flare-ups often, while others may not have them as frequently.
Bottom line? Psoriatic arthritis flare-ups can be unpredictable.
What triggers psoriatic arthritis flare-ups?
Causes of psoriatic arthritis flare-ups can include:
- Stress and anxiety.
- Obesity.
- Smoking.
- Alcohol.
- Lack of activity.
- Lack of sleep.
- Diet.
- Skipping psoriatic arthritis medication.
- Certain medications like beta-blockers.
Doctors Without Waiting Rooms 