PsA typically appears about 5-10 years after the onset of psoriasis. Symptoms are pain, swelling and stiffness of joints, especially in the mornings and symptoms do not go away for weeks to months. Some patients may have back, neck or buttock pain. Fingers and toes may also be painful and swell up like sausages (dactylitis).

Other symptoms include fatigue, malaise, loss of weight and appetite – and these are dependent on the severity of the disorder. In advanced PsA, there will be a shortening of the joints, joints becoming damaged and crooked, fingers become shortened and the back becomes bent with stiffness.