Joint pain, swollen fingers, morning stiffness, or low back pain may be more than the result of aging or a tough workout. For some people, especially those with psoriasis, these symptoms may be signs of psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory condition that affects the joints and surrounding tissues.

One key clue is morning stiffness that lasts an hour or longer. “With psoriatic arthritis, patients often tell me it feels like they're moving through molasses when they first wake up,” says Melanie H. Smith, MD, PhD, rheumatologist at HSS. Other symptoms can include joint swelling, reduced range of motion, and pain that worsens after periods of inactivity.

The good news is that effective treatments are available, and staying active remains an important part of managing the condition. If you have psoriasis and experience persistent joint pain or stiffness, experts recommend seeing a rheumatologist early, since prompt treatment can help prevent long-term joint damage.

Read the full article at gq.com.