Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are two conditions that share many symptoms, such as joint inflammation and fatigue, which often makes them hard to tell apart. However, they are distinct diseases with different underlying causes and treatment approaches. Understanding these differences is key to ensuring an accurate diagnosis and receiving the most effective care.
Both psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis are autoimmune inflammatory conditions that cause your immune system to mistakenly attack healthy tissues in your body. While they share similar symptoms, they each have their own causes, patterns of joint involvement, and treatment approaches.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of chronic autoimmune arthritis, where your immune
system mistakenly attacks the healthy cells and tissues in your joints, causing pain and
inflammation. It predominantly affects individuals between the ages of 30 to 50, especially
females. It distinctively affects both sides of the body; if you experience symptoms in your
left wrist, your right wrist will likely be affected as well.
Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include:
Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is also a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that may cause a
combination of pain, stiffness and swelling in your joints. However, it is typically related to
psoriasis, a condition that causes your immune system to produce skin cells too quickly. Unlike
RA, PsA affects both males and females equally. In contrast to RA, symptoms of PsA might appear
on one side of your body but not the other.
Common symptoms include:
Arthritis has no cure, but early consultation with a rheumatologist can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications. With proper treatment, rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis can be controlled, slowing disease progression and supporting mobility in daily life.
For both PsA and RA, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are often recommended. These medicines slow joint damage and help keep inflammation under control. Your rheumatologist will tailor treatment based on your condition and response.
Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, yoga or gentle stretching help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness. A physiotherapist can guide you through safe, targeted exercises, while an occupational therapist can teach ways to complete everyday tasks without overloading your joints
If inflammation remains uncontrolled in specific joints, steroid injections can provide temporary relief. In cases of severe joint destruction, joint replacement surgery may restore mobility and reduce pain.
Neither psoriatic arthritis nor rheumatoid arthritis is technically "worse" than the other, as
both are serious chronic conditions that require prompt medical attention and ongoing
management. The severity and impact of each condition depend on factors such as disease
progression, treatment response and overall health.
At the end of the day, early diagnosis for both conditions is important as they cause long-term
inflammation in the body, which may lead to severe complications.
If you are experiencing persistent joint pain, morning stiffness or other symptoms that may
suggest rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, our arthritis clinic in Singapore can help you.
Schedule a consultation with A/Prof Leong Keng Hong by calling us at +65 6472 4337.