Psoriatic Arthritis

This condition is treated in the Inflammatory Spinal clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

• Onset of condition
• Pattern of pain - oligoarticular, polyarticular, spinal, presence of morning stiffness
• Acute single joint arthritis
• Psoriatic rash, PH or family history of psoriasis

Exclude infection (pyrexia, red, hot, swollen joint), gout and pseudo gout.

If the diagnosis is established refer if:

• Worsening of disability
• Threat to independence
• Difficulty with employment.
• Assistance needed with self management
• Optimisation of pharmacological (e.g. biologic) and non-pharmacological management

Tests

• X-ray affected joint/s
• FBE
• ESR or CRP
• LFTs, U&E, Creatinine

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Inflammatory Spinal clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Consider paracetamol and NSAIDS to reduce symptoms. Physical therapies - regular exercise, stretching, weight control, heat and ice may improve symptoms and maintain mobility.

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Patient information advice is found at Arthritis Australia

Clinic appointments

? Red location flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency

? Acute monoarticular joint pain and swelling with systemic features and high inflammatory markers - needs exclusion of septic arthritis

If you, or someone else, are experiencing a serious and life-threatening injury or illness call triple zero (000) immediately or go to the nearest Emergency Department.

Learn more about when to access emergency care and non-emergency care options if the injury or illness is not serious or life-threatening.

Urgent (Category 1)

Clinic not suitable for urgent referrals (as per scope)

We will endeavour to see these patients within four weeks

Semi-urgent (Category 2)

Routine (Category 3)

Next available appointment

Availability

North

Contact central triage at:

Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982

Physiotherapy: [email protected],

Nurse Practitioner: [email protected]

North West

Contact central triage at:

Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982

Physiotherapy: [email protected],

Nurse Practitioner: [email protected]

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 10)
Phone: 03 6166 0162
Fax: 03 6234 3982

Physiotherapy: [email protected]
Nurse Practitioner: [email protected]