I don't know about the onset business, but I'm 39 and was just diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis.

I do know that the earlier they catch it and start treatment, the better. They can stop the progression and the damage, even before the damage starts on your joints.

It is a degenerative form of arthritis, very similar to rheumatoid arthritis. It can cripple you if it goes untreated.

Once you start the treatment (either pill form, injection or IV) you will start to see an improvement. It can take up to 8-12 weeks to see noticable improvement, but the longer you are on treatment, the better you feel.

I do have flares in my right index finger and my right knee, but as of right now, 3-4 months into treatment, I'm doing pretty well.

I'm on Methotrexate as a first drug of choice because it's in pill form. So far, so good.

Good luck with your new journey. Please keep in touch with your doctor and follow his/her instructions.

I have psoriasis and I am pretty sure arthritis. cuz my legs and arm aways tend to hurt. I wake up in my sleep it gets so bad.. my docter says it just be growning.. I am 19 and havent growin a ench since I was 12.. :/ I just found out that psoriatic can cause arthritis. witch would explan alot for me and my body pains

Meme,

You might want to visit a rheumatologist. Psoriatic arthrits is a little hard to pinpoint as far as diagnosis. If you are in the earlier stages (pre-joint damage) it won't show up on x-ray.

A lot of doctors will dismiss it as something else, but a good rheumatologist will see your psoriasis and start looking more closely at psoriatic arthrits.

I went months with only a fibromyalgia diagnosis for my pain/inflammation and fatigue, but he was unable to pinpoint the inflammation cause and the elevated CRP and ESR levels in my blood. Fibromyagia alone will not cause those elevated blood levels and that much inflammation of joints.

Then my index finger on my right hand and 4th toes started to swell-up big time. They call that "sausage fingers and toes" that that's a dead give away for psoriatic arthritis.

Once you start treatment, the psoriasis will start to improve quickly, then your joints/pain, etc. Unfortunately, the "sausage" digits are the last to improve and it is the hardest to treat with the meds.

Treatment is a process and not a quick fix. It's extremeely important to get started as early as possible to stop the damage to the joints and improve your quality of life.

Hiya i too have psoriatic arthritis and have been taking methotrexate for 9 months and only now the sickness and side effects have gone but its well worth it because i feel loads better now.

I was 18 when mine first started. I was in an accident & about 2 weeks later, I broke out w/psoriasis & the pain began. I'm on Enbrel now. I hate giving myself the shots, but it helps me alot.

hiya, iam also 40 and have psoriatic arthritis since 1992. it started in my hands but have it pretty much everywhere. my hands are now a little deformed, however i dnt wanna scare you, just tryin to be honest. this has happened over quite a number of yrs and i still live a normal life even with the pain. my best advice to you would be when your joints are swollen and painfel REST THEM. good luck and stay well.