In a comprehensive study at the New York University Psoriatic Arthritis Center, researchers explored the prevalence and characteristics of persistent joint pain in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) who exhibit no active inflammation. The cohort comprised 121 patients, revealing that while 21.5% presented with active disease, a significant 26.3% experienced persistent joint pain without any visible signs of inflammation.
The study emphasizes the complex nature of PsA management, where physical symptoms may not fully capture the patient’s overall health burden. Despite appropriate biologic treatments, a significant portion of patients continue to suffer from joint pain, which correlates more strongly with psychological distress than with physiological markers of the disease. This persistent pain was not only prevalent among patients with longstanding PsA, but also appeared among those newly diagnosed. These findings suggest a need for holistic treatment approaches that include mental health and lifestyle management to enhance overall patient outcomes.
Reference: Haberman RH, Zhou YY, Catron S, et al. Psychosocial Factors Significantly Contribute to Joint Pain Persistence in Psoriatic Arthritis. J Rheumatol. 2024;51(3):318-320. doi: 10.3899/jrheum.2023-0909.
