Psoriatic Arthritis Vs. Psoriasis

In this issue, we are going to try and simplify many, often misdiagnosed, rheumatological diseases which may cause confusion. 

Both of these conditions are thought to be caused by weaknesses in your immune system. Psoriasis causes patches of scaly, inflamed skin, but people who suffer from this condition do not always develop Psoriatic Arthritis. In fact, only about 30% of people who have Psoriasis will develop Psoriatic Arthritis. Psoriatic Arthritis is marked by joint swelling and pain, which may lead to permanent deformities and damage if not treated.

So what “triggers” should you be aware of with both of these conditions? 

      • Stress can cause Psoriasis flare-ups. 

      • Certain medications can make existing skin lesions worse or prompt
          Psoriasis conditions. 

      • A strep throat infection is believed to lead to some Psoriasis skin
         irritations. 

     • Lack of ultraviolet light on the dreary days of winter can make Psoriasis
         symptoms worse. 

     • Trauma to the skin (insect bites, sunburn, or scratches) can trigger
         psoriasis to appear.

Psoriatic Arthritis hands

Psoriasis

Psoriatic Arthritis, on the other hand, can affect any joint in the body, and symptoms vary from person to person. If inflammation isn’t treated, it can lead to joint damage. While the cause is not known, Psoriatic Arthritis results show that 40% of people have a family history. It is also thought that it can be the result of an infection that activates the immune system. It is interesting to note that Psoriatic Arthritis usually appears in people between the ages of 30 to 50, but can begin as early as childhood.

Fatigue and anemia are common complaints. 

Psoriatic Arthritis hands

An accurate diagnosis of Psoriasis as opposed to Psoriatic Arthritis is key in making certain you get the proper treatment. Like Psoriasis, Psoriatic Arthritis symptoms fade and subside, vary from person to person, and even change locations in the same person over time. Since these conditions can be confused, and since Psoriatic Arthritis can also be misdiagnosed as Gout, it is imperative that you seek the services of a specialist in musculoskeletal disorders like Dr. Crayton. As a tenured Rheumatologist, Dr.Crayton can make a proper diagnosis and advise the best treatment options. For most people, appropriate treatments will relieve pain, protect the joints, and maintain your mobility. Put your mind at ease and let us recommend the most effective ways to live with Psoriatic Arthritis … or its “distant cousin” … Psoriasis. Treatment IS available.

THE PATRIOT TEAM: Dr. & Mrs. Crayton

From the moment they met in 1979 at Fort Carson, Colorado, the young couple believed they’d make a dynamic duo.  Dinah Crayton had just finished a tour of duty in Seoul, Korea, and was in the Adjutant General Corp while Hulon was in the Chemical Corp.  When they left the military, Hulon entered medical school while Dinah followed suit to attend law school.  Even as a young mother, while they lived in Madison, Wisconsin, she served as a Company Commander in the Army Reserve, while Dr. Crayton also served in the reserves.  Dr. and Mrs. Crayton both attained the rank of Captain.  The military suited this couple who both enjoy traveling, learning, and experiencing other cultures.

Mrs. Crayton credits their military experience for teaching them very valuable lessons:  “Team work is the best possible alternative for reaching a consensus and achieving lofty goals and ambitions.  This philosophy has contributed to our solidarity.  Both Hulon and I were officers trained to lead and to defend our country.  As a Platoon Leader and subsequently as Company Commander, I was used to motivating and encouraging group effort and ensuring that the assigned tasks were completed.  I have used these same group and team principles to craft and achieve the working principles in our marriage.  Both Hulon and I believe in defending our country and upholding the Constitution of the United States of America.”

The Craytons take great pride in their service to their country and community. Dr. Crayton is especially proud of the care and attention he provides to veterans at The Arthritis & Infusion Center.  “Serving in the military is hard duty, and the rigorous training can often cause painful physical issues later in life,” explained Dr. Crayton.  “That’s why we always tell people that pain is not normal.  We can help.”  

Mrs. Brewer 'Thanks God' for Dr. Crayton and his Staff

My name is Barbara Brewer and I was informed in 2008 that I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I was in a lot of pain, had swollen joints and have gone through several medications. I am currently taking an infusion that has helped me tremendously. I am no longer in pain. I no longer have swollen joints. I feel better. I recommend Dr. Crayton to anyone. He is excellent in helping me. I thank God for Dr. Crayton. He has really helped me. I tell everybody about this man and his office staff. The people here are pleasant and friendly and I look forward each month to coming in for my monthly infusion. I thank God that it is helping me.

Dr. Crayton: The Patriot

One of Dr. Hulon Crayton’s favorite quotes is “Never forget where you come from.  What you attain in life is not as important as what you give back.”  And, throughout his career, Dr. Crayton has lived out this philosophy.

“I did not come from ‘privilege’, but rather have worked very hard for everything I’ve attained.  I served in the military like most men of my generation, and am extremely proud to be an American.”

As a consummate nationalist, Dr. Crayton served in both the U.S. Army and Army Reserve.  His military service encompassed Ft. Carson, CO; Ft. McCoy, WI; and serving in the Medical Corps of the Army Reserve.

Through his medical practice, The Arthritis and Infusion Center, Dr. Crayton takes great pride in the service he provides to our nation’s Veterans – his compatriots.  “Due to military cutbacks, our Veterans don’t always get the medical care they deserve.  In my practice, I take the time to really listen to them and get to the root of their medical issues.”

Dr. Crayton is the region’s ONLY Rheumatologist with a Masters Degree in Hospital Administration, which makes him uniquely qualified to operate his center that offers the following:

What I advise all my patients is:  “Pain is not normal.”  We can help!

The Arthritis and Infusion Center proudly accepts TriCare.  Call us today!

  

God Bless America!