Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in Knoxville
Treat the Symptoms Inside and Out
The itchy, burning patches associated with psoriasis are physically and emotionally painful on their own. But over time, patients living with the autoimmune disease are also at a greater risk of developing debilitating joint inflammation.
If your psoriasis has evolved into psoriatic arthritis (PsA), you’re not alone – more than one million Americans experience regular flares that impact their quality of life. At Rheumatologix in Knoxville, Tennessee, Dr. Tonya Baker is dedicated to helping you manage all symptoms of your condition, from the raised plaques on top of your skin to the stiff, aching joints below it.
The earlier psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed, the more likely you can prevent permanent joint damage and preserve your range of motion. That’s why it’s so critical to see Dr. Baker if you’re experiencing symptoms of psoriasis. Because psoriasis is a chronic condition that will follow you throughout your life, you need a local Knoxville rheumatologist by your side on this journey to monitor your disease, spot warning signs of PsA progression, and identify potential treatments that may even help you achieve remission.
What are the Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis?
While psoriasis can affect individuals of any age, the symptoms may start in a patient’s childhood or teen years. For many people, PsA can start to set in within 10 years after psoriasis develops. However, some patients are diagnosed with PsA at the same time skin lesions first appear.
Because the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis are similar to those of other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout, Dr. Baker will take a deep dive into your medical history, perform a physical examination, and run a series of labs to rule out other potential causes for your joint pain.
The most common symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:
- Red patches of skin topped with silver scales
- Swollen fingers and toes
- Tenderness or pain in your tendons
- Stiffness, pain, and throbbing in one or more joints
- Fatigue
- Reduced range of motion
- Nail changes, including pitting or separation from the nail bed
- Redness or pain in the eyes
How Does a Rheumatologist Treat PsA?
As a rheumatologist specializing in psoriatic arthritis, Dr. Baker treats both your skin condition and your joint pain. Topical creams and ointments, phototherapy, and oral medications can slow rapid skin cell growth and reduce painful skin patches. You may also be prescribed non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve your discomfort, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) to prevent disease progression, and other oral medications to control the activity of inflammation with cells. In addition, Dr. Baker incorporates alternative therapies into all PsA treatment plans – which may include diet modifications, physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle changes.
The most important aspect of your treatment plan, however, is compassion. Dr. Baker takes the time to listen to you to better understand your challenges and explain your options in a way that’s easy to comprehend so you make the best medical decision for yourself.
A Psoriatic Arthritis Specialist Near Me in Knoxville
According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, patients living with PsA face a number of inequities in healthcare that prevent them from getting the care they need, such as a delay in diagnosis, a lack of understanding from providers on how the disease impacts their overall health, a dismissal of their symptoms, or the inability to see a rheumatologist on a regular basis.
Dr. Baker’s years of experience treating psoriatic arthritis patients in Eastern Tennessee and her direct-pay model ensure she can devote the time needed to properly diagnose your condition, clearly explain your treatment options, and provide patient-centered care for years to come. By becoming a Rheumatologix member, you no longer have a months-long wait to get into a rheumatologist – in most cases, you can be seen same day and get the care you need immediately.
Contact Rheumatologix in Knoxville today by calling 865.995.7006.