Do you know how sometimes certain medical conditions just aren’t mentioned or talked about enough in the Black community? Like, the “what ifs” or the possibility of “what could go wrong?” Well, psoriatic arthritis is one of those medical conditions that I believe the Black community needs to shed more light on. Psoriatic arthritis complications are found more often in the Black community than one may think and we actually experience more undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis. Psoriatic arthritis can severely damage your joints if left untreated.
Psoriatic arthritis in simple terms, is a form of arthritis that comes with a skin rash. It affects some people who have psoriasis. More often than not, most people will develop psoriasis years before ever being diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
- Joint pain, stiffness and swelling(may occur in the spine, leading to the neck, lower back and hips)
- Inflamed fingers or toes
- Foot pain
- Itching
- Skin rash
- Eye inflammation
- Fatigue/lack of energy
- Small dents in the nails
Factors that may increase your risk of psoriatic arthritis:
Having psoriasis (this is the greatest risk factor for developing psoriatic arthritis)
- Having a family history of psoriatic arthritis
- Your age
RELATED: Which Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Is Right For You?
Psoriatic arthritis in the Black community; the Black community experiences more undiagnosed psoriatic arthritis, more complications, and receives less treatment compared to other ethnicities. How so? Well, there are barriers that cause this.
Barriers to competent care and healthcare professionals (think about the communities where most Black individuals live and work), thus making it challenging for Black individuals to receive an early diagnosis.
Additionally, Black Americans are at a higher risk for many of the secondary medical conditions that come with psoriatic arthritis. Like, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
As psoriatic arthritis complications are found more often in the Black community, it’s super important to find a culturally sensitive healthcare provider/receive quality care.
Early diagnosis (imaging, like an x-ray or MRI, and lab tests, like joint fluid tests) can be done to prevent more severe complications and ensure proper treatment plans/plans of action.
Having a healthcare provider you trust provides a respectable understanding and open communication between you and your
