Rheumatology in Lagos
Psoriatic Arthritis
The signs, what causes it, and treatment in Lagos from ₦100,000, with the full price shown before you book or pay.
Signs to look for
Psoriatic Arthritis
- Pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints
- A whole finger or toe swollen like a sausage
- Small dents or pits in the nails, or nails lifting or changing colour
- Pain at the back of the heel or the sole of the foot
- Stiffness in the morning that eases with movement
Published Mezo prices. Each links to what the price covers.
Psoriatic arthritis is inflammation of the joints and the places where tendons attach to bone, in people who have psoriasis or a family history of it. Some people get the arthritis before the skin rash appears. It can affect a few large joints, the small joints of the fingers and toes, or the spine. A whole finger or toe may swell like a sausage, and the nails may pit or change colour. Without treatment it can damage the joints, so it is worth seeing a rheumatologist early. It is treated with many of the same medicines as rheumatoid arthritis, and some of them help the skin too.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- Pain, swelling and stiffness in one or more joints
- A whole finger or toe swollen like a sausage
- Small dents or pits in the nails, or nails lifting or changing colour
- Pain at the back of the heel or the sole of the foot
- Stiffness in the morning that eases with movement
- Patches of psoriasis on the scalp, elbows, knees or elsewhere
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if joint pain, stiffness and swelling keep coming back, with or without psoriasis, and see a rheumatologist if you have psoriasis and a swollen joint, finger or toe. Go to a hospital the same day for a single hot, red, swollen joint with a fever, which can be a joint infection. If you take treatment that lowers immunity and develop a fever, see a doctor the same day.
Treatment options
- Anti-inflammatory painkillers to ease pain and stiffness
- Steroid injections into a badly affected joint
- Disease-modifying medicines (DMARDs) such as methotrexate
- Biological treatments when other medicines do not control it, which often help the skin as well
- Physiotherapy and exercise to keep joints moving
- Treatment of the psoriasis with a dermatologist
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Can I get psoriatic arthritis without psoriasis?
Yes. The arthritis sometimes comes first, especially in people with a parent, brother or sister with psoriasis. Check your scalp, navel and nails, where small patches are easy to miss.
Dermatologist or rheumatologist?
Both, ideally. The rheumatologist treats the joints and the dermatologist the skin. Some treatments work on both, so the two doctors should know what the other is prescribing.
Is it the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No, though they can look alike. Psoriatic arthritis often affects fewer joints, can swell a whole finger or toe, involves the nails and the spine, and the rheumatoid factor test is usually negative.
Need Help?
Find a verified rheumatology specialist near you.
Rheumatology in Lagos →Rheumatology in Abuja →Rheumatology in Port Harcourt →Rheumatology in Jos →Rheumatology in Ibadan →Sources and further reading
The guidelines and patient information this page is checked against. Care in Nigeria follows the same evidence; what differs is the price and where it is done.
- Psoriatic arthritis. NHS. Patient information.
- Psoriasis. NHS. Patient information.
- Spondyloarthritis in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG65). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Clinical guideline.
Links last checked 30 October 2026.
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.