Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness.Medicines can help treat the symptoms.

Prescription review online

Prescription review online

A doctor will review your case and issue a prescription if medically appropriate.

Talk to a doctor online

Talk to a doctor online

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. If symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening, seek medical advice promptly.

Psoriatic arthritis is a long-term condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Medicines can help treat the symptoms.

Some people with the skin condition psoriasis will get psoriatic arthritis as they get older.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis include:

  • pain, swelling and stiffness in 1 or more joints
  • swollen fingers or toes
  • your nails changing from their usual colour, or tiny dents or pits developing in your nails
  • feeling drained of energy

Symptoms can be worse first thing in the morning and may improve with exercise.

Some people may also get symptoms of psoriasis, such as dry scaly skin, at the same time.

If you're not sure it's psoriatic arthritis

There are other conditions that can cause joint pain, stiffness and swelling, including:

See a GP if:

  • you have joint pain, stiffness and swelling that keeps coming back

You should see a GP even if you do not have psoriasis. These symptoms need to be checked.

What happens at your appointment

If the GP thinks you may have psoriatic arthritis, they'll refer you to a specialist (rheumatologist).

Tests you may have include:

  • blood tests
  • joint fluid test – where fluid is removed from an affected joint and tested
  • X-rays, ultrasound scans and MRI scans

Treatments for psoriatic arthritis

Medicines are the main treatment for psoriatic arthritis. If a medicine does not help with your symptoms tell your doctor. Another medicine may work better for you.

Medicines for psoriatic arthritis

The medicines used to treat psoriatic arthritis include:

  • non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – they come as tablets, creams or gels and can help with mild symptoms
  • steroid injections – a steroid medicine is injected into a joint to help ease the pain
  • disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) – used for moderate to severe symptoms, DMARDs can take several months to work so keep taking them even if you do not feel better straight away
  • biological treatments – usually given by injection, biological treatments can be used if DMARDs do not help
Consult with a doctor about Psoriatic arthritis

Consult with a doctor about Psoriatic arthritis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps with a doctor online.

Other treatments for psoriatic arthritis

Your doctor may also refer you to a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or both.

A physiotherapist can teach you exercises to help strengthen your joints and prevent joint damage.

An occupational therapist can discuss adjustments you can make at home and at work. For example, they may recommend equipment that makes certain tasks easier.

Things you can do to ease the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis

There are some things you can do to help ease the symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

Do

  • exercise regularly – low impact exercises like swimming, walking and yoga can help strengthen and protect your joints

  • try to lose weight if you're overweight to reduce pressure on your joints

  • cut down on alcohol if you're taking medicines – alcohol can affect medicines

Don’t

  • do not smoke because it can make symptoms of psoriatic arthritis worse

  • do not use herbal remedies because they may interfere with any medicines you're taking

Causes of psoriatic arthritis

Some people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis.

It can sometimes develop after you've had psoriasis for many years.

Like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis is caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissue.

It's not clear why some people with psoriasis get psoriatic arthritis but others do not.

Online doctors for Psoriatic arthritis

Discuss your symptoms and possible next steps for Psoriatic arthritis with a doctor online.

Doctor
5.0(36)

Andrei Popov

General medicinePain medicine7 years of experience

Dr. Andrei Popov is a family physician with specialized training in the management of chronic pain. He provides video consultations for adults in Spain and across Europe: whether you have been living with pain for months that no one has been able to properly explain, or you need to resolve a health issue without waiting weeks for an appointment.

His approach is clear: to listen, organize your case, and provide you with a practical roadmap based on evidence-based medicine and adapted to your medical history and personal needs.

Pain: how he can help

  • Chronic pain (more than 3 months
  • Migraine and recurrent or high-intensity headaches
  •  Neck, lower back, back and joint pain
  •  Post-traumatic pain after injuries or surgeries
  •  Pain of neurological origin: neuralgia, neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia

General medicine

  • Frequent respiratory infections (cold, flu, persistent cough)
  • Hypertension, diabetes and metabolic disorders
  • Review of laboratory tests and MRI/CT reports (explained in clear language)
  • Preventive medicine and health monitoring
  • Second opinions and treatment adjustments (when clinically appropriate)

What the consultation is like
 Each session lasts up to 30 minutes. We review symptoms, medical history, medications and any tests you provide, and you finish the consultation with a clear treatment plan, defined next steps, and criteria to understand when follow-up may be needed. If warning signs are detected, he will clearly advise whether you need in-person care or urgent medical attention.

Book a video appointment
€86
Doctor
5.0(19)

Nuno Tavares Lopes

Family medicineGeneral medicine18 years of experience

Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes is a licensed physician in Portugal with 17 years of experience in emergency medicine, family and general practice, and public health. He is the Director of Medical and Public Health Services at an international healthcare network and serves as an external consultant for the WHO and ECDC.

  • Emergency care: infections, fever, chest/abdominal pain, minor injuries, paediatric emergencies
  • Family medicine: hypertension, diabetes, cholesterol, chronic disease management
  • Travel medicine: pre-travel advice, vaccinations, fit-to-fly certificates, travel-related illnesses
  • Sexual and reproductive health: PrEP, STD prevention, counselling, treatment
  • Weight management and wellness: personalised weight loss programmes, lifestyle guidance
  • Skin and ENT issues: acne, eczema, allergies, rashes, sore throat, sinusitis
  • Pain management: acute and chronic pain, post-surgical care
  • Public health: prevention, health screenings, long-term monitoring
  • Sick leave (Baixa médica) connected to Segurança Social in Portugal
  • IMT medical certificates for driving licence exchange
Dr. Nuno Tavares Lopes provides medical support for patients using GLP-1 medications (Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Rybelsus) as part of a weight loss strategy. He offers individualised treatment planning, regular follow-up, dose adjustment, and advice on combining medication with sustainable lifestyle changes. Consultations follow the medical standards accepted in Europe.

Dr. Lopes also provides interpretation of medical tests, follow-up care for complex patients, and multilingual support. Whether for urgent concerns or long-term care, he helps patients act with clarity and confidence.

Book a video appointment
€70
Doctor
0.0(0)

Hocine Lokchiri

General medicine21 years of experience

Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
  • cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, breathing discomfort
  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
  • nausea, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, digestive infections
  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
  • headache, dizziness, migraine symptoms
  • stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbances
  • questions about test results and treatment plans
  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
  • Basic and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (BLS/ACLS)
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
  • Prehospital Trauma Life Support (PHTLS)
  • eFAST and critical care transthoracic echocardiography
  • aviation medicine
He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
Book a video appointment
€64

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