Distal interphalangealpredominant (DIP)psoriatic arthritis(PsA) primarily affects the small joints in the fingers and toes closest to the nails. DIP PsA can ultimately become a condition that is serious enough to cause marked disability.
In this article, learn the symptoms of DIP PsA and various treatment options, including medication, surgery, and home remedies.
What Are the Symptoms of DIP PsA?
Symptoms of DIP PsA include:
Psoriatic arthritisis known for starting at the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joints, which are the joints closest to the fingernails and toenails. Stiff and inflamed fingers make it harder to perform simple tasks like zipping a jacket or opening a jar. Stiff and swollen toes make walking and standing for long periods painful.
Swelling associated with DIP PsA usually affects the entire finger or toe. It is asymmetric, meaning it affects only one side of the body. That means if all the joints in one hand are affected, the other hand may not be affected at all, or four or fewer digits are involved. However, research shows PsA can also be symmetrical, involving the joints on both sides of the body.Moreover, DIP PsA occurs more frequently in the toes.
You might wonder what is happening if you suddenly feel joint pain on one side of your body. Different types of arthritis, includingosteoarthritis,rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, can cause asymmetric pain on just one side of the body.
Symptoms of Psoriatic Arthritis
How Is DIP PsA Treated?
DIP psoriatic arthritis can be painful and affect quality of life. However, there are several approaches to treating the symptoms of this painful condition, from medication and surgeries to home remedies that anyone can try.
Medical Therapies
There are a few different medical approaches to treating DIP PsA.
DIP Psoriatic Arthritis (DIP PsA) Symptoms and Treatment
Home Remedies
In addition to the medical treatments for DIP PsA, several home remedies can help relieve symptoms. Some include:
Hand Exercises
In addition to physical and occupational therapy, there are hand exercises you can do to help maintain range of motion and strength. Here are five to get you started:
Summary
Distal interphalangeal predominant psoriatic arthritis can cause pain and disability and affect daily routines and quality of life. There are many ways to treat the condition and cope with pain and swelling. While there is no cure for DIP PsA, treatment can help the condition become more manageable and prevent joint deformity and disability.
6 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Poletto E, Tinazzi I, Marchetta A, Smania N, Rossato E.Hand erosive osteoarthritis and distal interphalangeal involvement in psoriatic arthritis: the place of conservative therapy.J Clin Med. 2021;10(12):2630. doi:10.3390/jcm10122630Carriero A, Lubrano E, Picerno V, Padula AA, D’Angelo S.Corticosteroid injection treatment for dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis.Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2021;13:1759720X211041864. doi:10.1177/1759720X211041864Poletto E, Tinazzi I, Marchetta A, Smania N, Rossato E.Hand erosive osteoarthritis and distal interphalangeal involvement in psoriatic arthritis: the place of conservative therapy.J Clin Med. 2021;10(12):2630. doi:10.3390/jcm10122630Haque N, Lories RJ, De vlam K.Orthopaedic interventions in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a descriptive report from the SPAR cohort.RMD Open. 2016;2(2):e000293. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2016-000293Perrotta FM, Scriffignano S, Benfaremo D, Ronga M, Luchetti MM, Lubrano E.New insights in physical therapy and rehabilitation in psoriatic arthritis: a review.Rheumatol Ther.2021;8(2):639-649. doi:10.1007/s40744-021-00298-9Arthritis Foundation.9 exercises to help hand arthritis.Additional ReadingAcosta-Felquer M. Fitzgerald O.Peripheral joint involvement in psoriatic arthritis patients. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015; 33 (Suppl. 93): S26-S30.Acosta Felquer ML, Coates LC, Soriano ER, et al. Drug Therapies for Peripheral Joint Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Rheumatology 2003; 42:778–783. doi:10.3899/jrheum.140876Arthritis Foundation.10 Hand- and Foot-Care Tips for Psoriatic Arthritis.Arthritis Foundation.A guide to the best and shoes for arthritis.Brockbank JE, Stein M, Schentag CT, et al Dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis: a marker for disease severity? Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2005; 64:188-190. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.02.002.Gladman DD, Antoni P, Mease DO, et al. Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64(Suppl II):ii14–ii17. doi:10.1136/ard.2004.032482.Husni ME. Cleveland Clinic.Psoriatic Arthritis.Updated October 2016.Lai TL, Pang HT, Cheuk YY, et al. Psoriatic nail involvement and its relationship with distal interphalangeal joint disease. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Aug;35(8):2031-2037. doi:10.1007/s10067-016-3319-5.McHugh J, Balachrishnan N, Jones, SM, Progression of peripheral joint disease in psoriatic arthritis: A 5-yr prospective study. Rheumatology (Oxford, England). 42. 778-83. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keg21.Papazoglou A. Gorbachova T, Brent LH.Psoriatic Arthritis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment. Published June 09, 2016.Young MA and Gentile JM. Practical Pain Management.Psoriatic Arthritis. Updated November 17, 2015.
6 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Poletto E, Tinazzi I, Marchetta A, Smania N, Rossato E.Hand erosive osteoarthritis and distal interphalangeal involvement in psoriatic arthritis: the place of conservative therapy.J Clin Med. 2021;10(12):2630. doi:10.3390/jcm10122630Carriero A, Lubrano E, Picerno V, Padula AA, D’Angelo S.Corticosteroid injection treatment for dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis.Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2021;13:1759720X211041864. doi:10.1177/1759720X211041864Poletto E, Tinazzi I, Marchetta A, Smania N, Rossato E.Hand erosive osteoarthritis and distal interphalangeal involvement in psoriatic arthritis: the place of conservative therapy.J Clin Med. 2021;10(12):2630. doi:10.3390/jcm10122630Haque N, Lories RJ, De vlam K.Orthopaedic interventions in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a descriptive report from the SPAR cohort.RMD Open. 2016;2(2):e000293. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2016-000293Perrotta FM, Scriffignano S, Benfaremo D, Ronga M, Luchetti MM, Lubrano E.New insights in physical therapy and rehabilitation in psoriatic arthritis: a review.Rheumatol Ther.2021;8(2):639-649. doi:10.1007/s40744-021-00298-9Arthritis Foundation.9 exercises to help hand arthritis.Additional ReadingAcosta-Felquer M. Fitzgerald O.Peripheral joint involvement in psoriatic arthritis patients. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015; 33 (Suppl. 93): S26-S30.Acosta Felquer ML, Coates LC, Soriano ER, et al. Drug Therapies for Peripheral Joint Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Rheumatology 2003; 42:778–783. doi:10.3899/jrheum.140876Arthritis Foundation.10 Hand- and Foot-Care Tips for Psoriatic Arthritis.Arthritis Foundation.A guide to the best and shoes for arthritis.Brockbank JE, Stein M, Schentag CT, et al Dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis: a marker for disease severity? Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2005; 64:188-190. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.02.002.Gladman DD, Antoni P, Mease DO, et al. Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64(Suppl II):ii14–ii17. doi:10.1136/ard.2004.032482.Husni ME. Cleveland Clinic.Psoriatic Arthritis.Updated October 2016.Lai TL, Pang HT, Cheuk YY, et al. Psoriatic nail involvement and its relationship with distal interphalangeal joint disease. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Aug;35(8):2031-2037. doi:10.1007/s10067-016-3319-5.McHugh J, Balachrishnan N, Jones, SM, Progression of peripheral joint disease in psoriatic arthritis: A 5-yr prospective study. Rheumatology (Oxford, England). 42. 778-83. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keg21.Papazoglou A. Gorbachova T, Brent LH.Psoriatic Arthritis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment. Published June 09, 2016.Young MA and Gentile JM. Practical Pain Management.Psoriatic Arthritis. Updated November 17, 2015.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Poletto E, Tinazzi I, Marchetta A, Smania N, Rossato E.Hand erosive osteoarthritis and distal interphalangeal involvement in psoriatic arthritis: the place of conservative therapy.J Clin Med. 2021;10(12):2630. doi:10.3390/jcm10122630Carriero A, Lubrano E, Picerno V, Padula AA, D’Angelo S.Corticosteroid injection treatment for dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis.Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2021;13:1759720X211041864. doi:10.1177/1759720X211041864Poletto E, Tinazzi I, Marchetta A, Smania N, Rossato E.Hand erosive osteoarthritis and distal interphalangeal involvement in psoriatic arthritis: the place of conservative therapy.J Clin Med. 2021;10(12):2630. doi:10.3390/jcm10122630Haque N, Lories RJ, De vlam K.Orthopaedic interventions in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a descriptive report from the SPAR cohort.RMD Open. 2016;2(2):e000293. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2016-000293Perrotta FM, Scriffignano S, Benfaremo D, Ronga M, Luchetti MM, Lubrano E.New insights in physical therapy and rehabilitation in psoriatic arthritis: a review.Rheumatol Ther.2021;8(2):639-649. doi:10.1007/s40744-021-00298-9Arthritis Foundation.9 exercises to help hand arthritis.
Poletto E, Tinazzi I, Marchetta A, Smania N, Rossato E.Hand erosive osteoarthritis and distal interphalangeal involvement in psoriatic arthritis: the place of conservative therapy.J Clin Med. 2021;10(12):2630. doi:10.3390/jcm10122630
Carriero A, Lubrano E, Picerno V, Padula AA, D’Angelo S.Corticosteroid injection treatment for dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis.Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2021;13:1759720X211041864. doi:10.1177/1759720X211041864
Haque N, Lories RJ, De vlam K.Orthopaedic interventions in patients with psoriatic arthritis: a descriptive report from the SPAR cohort.RMD Open. 2016;2(2):e000293. doi:10.1136/rmdopen-2016-000293
Perrotta FM, Scriffignano S, Benfaremo D, Ronga M, Luchetti MM, Lubrano E.New insights in physical therapy and rehabilitation in psoriatic arthritis: a review.Rheumatol Ther.2021;8(2):639-649. doi:10.1007/s40744-021-00298-9
Arthritis Foundation.9 exercises to help hand arthritis.
Acosta-Felquer M. Fitzgerald O.Peripheral joint involvement in psoriatic arthritis patients. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015; 33 (Suppl. 93): S26-S30.Acosta Felquer ML, Coates LC, Soriano ER, et al. Drug Therapies for Peripheral Joint Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Rheumatology 2003; 42:778–783. doi:10.3899/jrheum.140876Arthritis Foundation.10 Hand- and Foot-Care Tips for Psoriatic Arthritis.Arthritis Foundation.A guide to the best and shoes for arthritis.Brockbank JE, Stein M, Schentag CT, et al Dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis: a marker for disease severity? Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2005; 64:188-190. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.02.002.Gladman DD, Antoni P, Mease DO, et al. Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64(Suppl II):ii14–ii17. doi:10.1136/ard.2004.032482.Husni ME. Cleveland Clinic.Psoriatic Arthritis.Updated October 2016.Lai TL, Pang HT, Cheuk YY, et al. Psoriatic nail involvement and its relationship with distal interphalangeal joint disease. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Aug;35(8):2031-2037. doi:10.1007/s10067-016-3319-5.McHugh J, Balachrishnan N, Jones, SM, Progression of peripheral joint disease in psoriatic arthritis: A 5-yr prospective study. Rheumatology (Oxford, England). 42. 778-83. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keg21.Papazoglou A. Gorbachova T, Brent LH.Psoriatic Arthritis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment. Published June 09, 2016.Young MA and Gentile JM. Practical Pain Management.Psoriatic Arthritis. Updated November 17, 2015.
Acosta-Felquer M. Fitzgerald O.Peripheral joint involvement in psoriatic arthritis patients. Clin Exp Rheumatol 2015; 33 (Suppl. 93): S26-S30.
Acosta Felquer ML, Coates LC, Soriano ER, et al. Drug Therapies for Peripheral Joint Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Systematic Review. Rheumatology 2003; 42:778–783. doi:10.3899/jrheum.140876
Arthritis Foundation.10 Hand- and Foot-Care Tips for Psoriatic Arthritis.
Arthritis Foundation.A guide to the best and shoes for arthritis.
Brockbank JE, Stein M, Schentag CT, et al Dactylitis in psoriatic arthritis: a marker for disease severity? Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2005; 64:188-190. doi:10.1016/j.semarthrit.2018.02.002.
Gladman DD, Antoni P, Mease DO, et al. Psoriatic arthritis: epidemiology, clinical features, course, and outcome. Ann Rheum Dis 2005;64(Suppl II):ii14–ii17. doi:10.1136/ard.2004.032482.
Husni ME. Cleveland Clinic.Psoriatic Arthritis.Updated October 2016.
Lai TL, Pang HT, Cheuk YY, et al. Psoriatic nail involvement and its relationship with distal interphalangeal joint disease. Clin Rheumatol. 2016 Aug;35(8):2031-2037. doi:10.1007/s10067-016-3319-5.
McHugh J, Balachrishnan N, Jones, SM, Progression of peripheral joint disease in psoriatic arthritis: A 5-yr prospective study. Rheumatology (Oxford, England). 42. 778-83. doi:10.1093/rheumatology/keg21.
Papazoglou A. Gorbachova T, Brent LH.Psoriatic Arthritis: Pathogenesis, Clinical Features, and Treatment. Published June 09, 2016.
Young MA and Gentile JM. Practical Pain Management.Psoriatic Arthritis. Updated November 17, 2015.
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