Ailments & ConditionsYour Health

5 Types of Psoriatic Arthritis

Symmetric Psoriatic Arthritis

As the name implies, symmetric psoriatic arthritis affects 5 or more joints on both sides of your body. Even though any joint may be impacted, the condition tends to occur in the small joints of the feet and hands. Larger joints are less likely to be affected. It is estimated that from 15 to 60 percent of cases are symmetric psoriatic arthritis, which is more prevalent in women. The symptoms of this type are quite similar to those of asymmetric psoriatic arthritis and would range from mild to moderate or even severe. Since it typically affects smaller joints, many cases would be misdiagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. However, symmetric psoriatic arthritis tends to have milder symptoms than rheumatoid arthritis. Blood test results for rheumatoid factors are likely to be negative as well. [3]