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!

Patient Assistance Programs | Knowing Your Options

Q. What are Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs)?

A. Patient Assistance Programs are government, pharmaceutical, and non-profit grant programs which provide co-pay assistance, premium assistance, and free medication to eligible applicants.

Q. Do I have to be uninsured to qualify?

A. No.  The programs are vast and so are the eligibility requirements.  Most programs are intended for under insured and non-insured patients; however, there are programs such as the Healthwell Foundation, Patient Access Network, and The Patient Advocate Foundation that offer grants to fully insured patients with high, out-of-pocket costs.

Q. How do I know if I qualify?

A. Contact each program for eligibility requirements.

Q. How do I find Patient Assistance Programs?

A. First, ask your physician’s office for their recommendations.  Doctors’ offices are given brochures by pharmaceutical sponsored co-pay programs to give out to their patients.  Next, search the Internet for the drug, or treatment, for which you are seeking assistance. 

A few search programs for medications are:  needymeds.org and patientassistance.com.

Q. Am I guaranteed acceptance into Patient Assistance Programs?

A. No.  There are no guarantees with any program.  Grant programs often run out of funding; there are limitations to the number of uses for co-pay cards; and eligibility requirements change.  It is the responsibility of the patient to know the limitations of the programs into which they are accepted.

Q. Are there any tips to applying to Patient Assistance Programs?

A.Yes.  Completely fill out applications.  Do not leave blanks since this will slow, or reject the application.  If the question does not pertain to you, simply write N/A.   Also, have copies of your most recent tax return, insurance cards, photo identification, and most recent financial obligations.  Not all programs will require all these documents.  Be sure to send in the required information.

 

The bottom line:  Ask for assistance.  There are many programs for patients to utilize.  To be successful, you must ask, seek out, and initiate the Patient- Assistance- Program process.  Please do not assume that your physician, or medical staff, is aware of your financial constraints.  The Arthritis and Infusion Center’s staff is the area’s leading expert in financial assistance.  We are more than happy to help our patients seek out the assistance they need.  

What is OSTEOPENIA?

At The Arthritis & Infusion Center, we often see patients who are suffering from osteopenia.  This condition is marked by a lower than normal bone mineral density, which means the person can have weak bones that fracture easily.  People who present with this condition are often thin Caucasians, who have a family history of osteoporosis.  Secondary risks include those who have eating disorders, or diseases that affect the absorption of nutrients from food, specifically Calcium or Vitamin D.  In addition, we see the condition in people who have been inactive or bedridden for long periods of time.  Osteopenia sufferers may also be those who smoke or drink excessive amounts of alcohol.  Unfortunately, there are no symptoms to osteopenia, but our staff diagnoses the threat by doing a DEXA scan (a form of X-ray) to detect the amount of bone loss in the patient’s body. (Do I Need a Bone Density Test?)  The United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends that all women, age 65 and older, should be screened for osteoporosis, which will also show if you have osteopenia.  If you are diagnosed with osteopenia, your treatment plan will include medication, but Calcium is the most critical mineral to build bone mass.  Therefore, a healthy diet, combined with exercise (specifically a weight-bearing routine), as well as making changes to your lifestyle would be recommended.  It is very important to know the medical history of those in your family, because your DNA could make you pre-determined to have osteopenia.  However, Dr. Hulon Crayton always reminds his patients that any pain is not normal!  Your first call should be to The Arthritis and Infusion Center; however, more research is available on our website as well at www.drcrayton.net.

A Rheumatologist That Understands Pain Shares a Fibromyalgia Success Story

My name is Jean Clark.  Dr. Crayton has been great as a physician for my health issues.  He has done more for me in just the last month than all the doctors I’ve seen over the last 15 years.  In 1997, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. I felt I was never provided with any real treatment other than pain management prescriptions that left me feeling overly medicated, and never really fixed the problem.  Some of the medications I was given even gave me seizures.  When I began seeing Dr. Crayton, he listened to my history, showed genuine concern, and was able to provide a treatment plan for me, which included gradually weaning me off all the medications I was taking.  Less is better! If you have fibromyalgia, go see Dr. Crayton.  He’s the best!