top of page

Psoriatic Arthritis & Ankylosing Spondylitis Care in Blue Ash & Cincinnati

Medically reviewed by Tara J. Adhikari, MD, FACR, board-certified rheumatologist · Last reviewed October 2026

Psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis belong to a family of conditions called spondyloarthritis. In these diseases, inflammation affects the joints, the spine and the places where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. Early treatment helps control pain and protect movement.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis affects some people with the skin condition psoriasis. It can start before the skin rash appears. Signs include:

  • Swollen, painful joints, sometimes a whole finger or toe ("sausage digit")

  • Pain at the heel or bottom of the foot

  • Nail pitting or nail changes

  • Morning stiffness and fatigue

Ankylosing spondylitis and axial spondyloarthritis

These mainly affect the spine and the sacroiliac joints in the low back. Inflammatory back pain usually:

  • Starts before age 45 and builds over months

  • Is worse in the morning or after rest

  • Gets better with movement and exercise

  • Can wake you in the second half of the night

Some people also have eye inflammation (uveitis) or bowel inflammation. We work closely with eye doctors on HLA-B27 related uveitis.

How we diagnose

We combine your history and exam with blood tests such as inflammatory markers and HLA-B27, drawn in our office. Musculoskeletal ultrasound helps us see joint and tendon inflammation. We may order X-rays or MRI of the spine and pelvis.

How we treat

  • Anti-inflammatory medications for pain and stiffness

  • Disease-modifying and biologic therapies, by injection or in our on-site infusion suite

  • Ultrasound-guided joint injections

  • A home exercise and posture plan, often with physical therapy

  • Coordination with your dermatologist for skin psoriasis

Common questions

I have psoriasis and joint pain. Should I see a rheumatologist?

Yes. Joint pain with psoriasis is worth checking, because early treatment can prevent joint damage.

Is back pain in a young adult always from strain?

No. Back pain that is worse in the morning and better with activity can be inflammatory and should be evaluated.

Schedule an appointment

Call (513) 991-9990. Cincy Arthritis, 9403 Kenwood Rd, Suite C-100, Blue Ash, OH 45242. Mon–Thu 7:30am–4pm, Fri 7:30am–2pm.

This page is general information, not medical advice. Please talk with your doctor about your symptoms.

bottom of page