Psoriatic Arthritis or Fibromyalgia? How to Tell the Difference

Living with chronic pain and fatigue can be challenging, especially when it’s caused by multiple conditions. If you have psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and experience persistent pain and fatigue, it may also signal the need to be evaluated for fibromyalgia, another chronic disorder. While the two conditions share some symptoms, they require different treatments, making an accurate diagnosis crucial for effective management. Research suggests that Black individuals may be disproportionately affected by both psoriatic arthritis and fibromyalgia. Studies have shown that Black patients often experience more severe symptoms and have poorer outcomes compared to other racial groups. However, due to underrepresentation in clinical trials and healthcare disparities, the exact impact of these conditions on Black patients is not well understood. RELATED: Psoriatic Arthritis: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Understanding Your Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a condition where your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, leading to joint inflammation and the overproduction of skin cells. It affects an estimated 30 percent of the eight million people with psoriasis in the United States, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. You may experience tender, swollen joints, dactylitis (swelling of a whole toe or finger), and skin or nail symptoms such as dark...