Diagnosis

Usually, a doctor can diagnose psoriatic arthritis based on your symptoms and a physical examination.

Your doctor may order X-rays of the affected joints, but X-rays don't always indicate what type of arthritis you have. In a few cases, the X-rays may give the radiologist a clue that you have psoriatic arthritis rather than rheumatoid arthritis.

Expected Duration

Psoriatic arthritis tends to be lifelong. However, some people's symptoms vary significantly, so that it may be mild at times and more severe at other times. It's unusual for the joint problems to disappear completely.