Best treatments for psoriatic arthritis

Understanding psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, immune-mediated condition in which an overactive immune system causes problems in the joints and the places where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. It affects some people who have psoriasis, though the joint and skin problems do not always appear at the same time; according to NIAMS, psoriatic arthritis develops on average about 7 to 10 years after skin symptoms begin, and it affects men and women equally. Common features include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling, fatigue, sausage-like swelling of a whole finger or toe, tenderness where tendons meet bone, nail changes such as pitting, and sometimes eye inflammation (uveitis). Because there is no definitive test, clinicians diagnose it through a physical exam, imaging (x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI), and blood tests to help rule out conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. There is no cure, but NIAMS notes treatments can slow its progression, lessen pain, and protect the joints, and that early treatment is associated with better outcomes. Management is individualized, often by a rheumatologist. This is general information, not medical advice.

Frequently asked

What treats psoriatic arthritis?

Our catalog lists 24 products that may treat psoriatic arthritis, based on NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. They're rated where FDA recall-safety data exists; the current top-rated option is orencia.

What is the best-rated treatment for psoriatic arthritis?

By our independent recall-safety rating — not an efficacy measure — orencia ranks highest among the products we list for psoriatic arthritis. Always consult a professional.

How are these treatments ranked?

By our independent score, currently based on FDA regulatory recall-safety data (the methodology blends additional sources as they come online). See the How we rate page.

What types of drugs treat psoriatic arthritis?

Treatments for psoriatic arthritis span FDA drug classes including phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, tumor necrosis factor blocker, interleukin-17a antagonist, interleukin-12 antagonist, interleukin-23 antagonist. Compare every option side by side, ranked by independent rating, above.

Treatment associations are derived from NIH RxClass (MED-RT “may treat”) drug-classification data — not the verbatim FDA label. This is general reference, not medical advice — always consult a licensed professional.