Diagnosing Psoriatic Arthritis at our specialty center is the first step to pain relief and healthy function

Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center in Encinitas, California, is led by Dr. Peter Lloyd. As a Board-certified rheumatologist, Dr. Lloyd is trusted by patients from throughout North County and the surrounding area and by other physicians. The medical community turns to his specialty expertise to provide rapid pain relief and effective treatment to their patients who are suffering from autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. These diseases generally affect the musculoskeletal system, but they can also cause damage to the skin, nerves, blood vessels, and many internal organs. 

Dr. Lloyd has developed a particular interest in Psoriatic Arthritis. Diagnosing PsA can be a challenge because there is no single definitive test to confirm the presence of this inflammatory disease and due to other conditions sharing many of the same symptoms associated with psoriatic arthritis. Due to the nature of PsA as a condition and available diagnostics, an accurate understanding of your condition demands a high level of expertise and onsite technologies provided by a specialist like Dr. Peter Lloyd. Accurate diagnostics inform the development of a treatment plan that offers real, lasting relief by resolving the root cause of PsA.

Diagnostics, the first step in treating pain and other symptoms

When accurately confirming the presence of PsA (or ruling it out), it is not sufficient to note the common symptoms of this inflammatory form of arthritis. These symptoms include joint swelling, painful joints, and red, scaly patches of skin and pitted, separated, thickened, crumbling nails (characteristic of psoriasis). Identification of symptoms falls short because many other diseases can “mimic” the signs associated with PsA. These diseases range from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and gout to osteoarthritis and plantar fasciitis. Partly for this reason, we at Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center use a variety of other diagnostics. So, with an accurate diagnosis in hand, we can quickly get you back on the road to normalcy and pain-free function. These diagnostic tools and approaches include: 

• Radiography (X-rays)
• Musculoskeletal imaging with ultrasound (particularly beneficial for early-stage disease)
• MRI
• CT scans
• Blood testing 
• Biopsies or small samples of skin, removed for testing 

These tests and technologies are designed to provide detailed insights into the affected joints and pinpoint the likes of elevated inflammation and anemia; for instance, anemia (low red blood cell count) may be detected among those with PsA. It represents one of the complications associated with PsA, including hypertension, diabetes, and obesity due to poor exercise tolerance brought on by joint stiffness and pain.

We encourage you to contact us today. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Lloyd by calling Seaside Rheumatology and Wellness Center at 760-509-2429. Pain-free function and an active, happy, healthy life await those who seek treatment built on a foundation of advanced, accurate diagnostic expertise from a specialty center. 

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