Swollen hands and fingers

[palliser]

For two years, left hand swollen at wrist into full hand. Right hand, swollen thumb.
Cracks and dryness in both palms and some fingers. Dermatologist diagnoses psoriasis, attributes redness and swelling to psoriatic arthritis, refers to
Rheumatologist . Orders x-rays of hands and back. All negative. Orders blood test for certain inflammation causes, comes back negative. Prescribes anti-inflammatory Meloxicam and this helps with lower back pain but not much else.
What is causing swelling? Any treatment for this?

[Tom Plamondon PA-C]

Hello,
Have any skin scrapings or skin biopsy been done?

Negative rheumatoid labs helps confirm psoriatic arthritis.

With pustular type psoriasis, methotrexate (an anti rheumatoid medicine aimed at curbing the immune reaction - which may cause psoriasis) is a treatment option. The arthritis has a good chance of responding to methotrexate too.

Your rheumatologist can discuss risks and benefits of this treatment option.

Keep us posted.

[palliser]

No skin scrapings or skin biopsy but am now awaiting an MRI. I am told this could be a lengthy wait. Sigh...