Private Psoriatic Arthritis Specialist in London

Psoriatic arthritis is diagnosed by looking at the overall pattern of symptoms, examination findings, skin and nail history, blood tests and, where clinically appropriate, imaging.

There is no single blood test that proves or excludes psoriatic arthritis. The diagnosis often depends on recognising the combination of joint, tendon, spine, nail or skin features.

Yes. Blood tests such as CRP and ESR can be normal even when psoriatic arthritis is present.

Normal inflammatory markers do not always exclude psoriatic arthritis, especially if symptoms are intermittent, early or mainly affecting tendons, fingers, toes or the spine.

Yes. Psoriasis may be mild, hidden, previous or sometimes only present in a family member.

Some patients have subtle psoriasis affecting areas such as the scalp, ears, umbilicus, nails or genital skin. Nail changes can also be an important clue.

Early signs can include joint pain or swelling, prolonged stiffness, tendon pain, heel pain, dactylitis, nail changes, fatigue or inflammatory back pain.

Symptoms may come and go, and psoriatic arthritis can sometimes be mistaken for osteoarthritis, tendon injury, mechanical back pain or overuse.

Dactylitis is swelling of an entire finger or toe, rather than swelling limited to one joint.

It can be an important clue to psoriatic arthritis, particularly when it occurs alongside psoriasis, nail changes, tendon pain or other inflammatory symptoms.

Enthesitis is inflammation where tendons or ligaments attach to bone.

It may cause heel pain, Achilles tendon pain, plantar fascia pain, elbow pain or pain around the pelvis. Enthesitis is one reason psoriatic arthritis can sometimes be mistaken for a tendon injury or mechanical problem.

Yes. Some patients develop inflammatory back pain due to involvement of the spine or sacroiliac joints.

Features may include back pain or stiffness that improves with movement, symptoms that wake you at night, alternating buttock pain or prolonged morning stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis often affects the small joints of the hands, wrists and feet in a more symmetrical pattern.

Psoriatic arthritis can be more variable. It may affect joints, tendons, fingers, toes, nails, skin or the spine, and can occur with current, previous or family history of psoriasis.

Blood tests such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP may help with the distinction, but the diagnosis depends on the overall clinical picture.

Yes. Psoriatic arthritis can sometimes be mistaken for osteoarthritis, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, mechanical back pain or overuse injury.

This is more likely when swelling is subtle, symptoms come and go, or the main problem is heel pain, tendon pain, back pain or dactylitis rather than obvious joint swelling.

Yes. Psoriatic arthritis is treatable. Treatment aims to reduce inflammation, improve pain and stiffness, protect joints and tendons, and maintain function.

The best treatment depends on which areas are involved, including joints, tendons, fingers, toes, nails, skin and the spine.

Some patients with psoriatic arthritis are treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, known as DMARDs. Biologic or targeted therapies may be considered where disease remains active despite standard treatment or where the pattern of disease makes these treatments appropriate.

Treatment decisions depend on the diagnosis, disease activity, previous treatments, skin and nail disease, spine or tendon involvement, blood tests, infection risk and other medical factors.

Sometimes. Some treatments may help both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, although the best option depends on the pattern and severity of skin, nail, joint, tendon or spine disease.

In some cases, rheumatology and dermatology input may both be helpful when choosing or adjusting treatment.

Psoriatic arthritis sits within a wider group of inflammatory conditions that can sometimes overlap with inflammatory bowel disease or eye inflammation such as uveitis.

If you have bowel symptoms, recurrent red painful eyes, light sensitivity or visual symptoms, these should be discussed during assessment and may require input from other specialists.

Yes. Dr Singh sees patients with established psoriatic arthritis as well as patients with suspected psoriatic arthritis.

A private review can help assess disease control, flares, treatment response, medication concerns, blood test results, imaging findings or whether a change in treatment may be needed.

Yes. Many patients seek a second opinion about diagnosis, blood test results, imaging findings, treatment options or ongoing symptoms.

A second opinion can be helpful if the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms remain active, treatment decisions feel unclear or you would like an independent specialist review of your current management plan.

Where available, it is helpful to bring recent blood test results, previous scan reports, clinic letters, referral letters, a list of current medications and allergies, and details of previous treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication, steroid injections, DMARDs, biologic therapies or psoriasis treatments.

Photographs of visible joint swelling, dactylitis, psoriasis, nail changes, heel swelling or rashes can also be useful if symptoms fluctuate.

If you are using private medical insurance, please check your authorisation before the appointment and ask whether investigations, imaging, injections or procedures require separate approval.

A GP referral is not required for self-pay appointments. You can book directly by phone, email or online.

If you are using private medical insurance, please check your policy requirements before booking, as some insurers require a GP referral, pre-authorisation number or separate approval for investigations, imaging or procedures.

Yes. Dr Singh sees insured patients.

Please check your insurer’s requirements before booking and bring your membership number, pre-authorisation number and details of what has been approved.

Insurance policies vary, and Dr Singh’s team cannot advise on the details of your individual cover. Blood tests, imaging, injections, prescriptions and procedures may require separate authorisation depending on your policy.

Private appointments are usually available within a week. Short-notice appointment requests may also be considered where clinically appropriate and diary capacity allows.

Dr Singh sees private patients at clinics in Harley Street, Hampstead and Chiswick. Please contact Dr Singh’s team by phone, email or WhatsApp to ask about the earliest available appointment.

Reliable patient information can be helpful if you are newly diagnosed, considering treatment options or trying to understand whether your symptoms could be linked to psoriasis.

Useful UK resources include the Psoriasis Association, Arthritis UK, and the NHS psoriatic arthritis overview.

These resources can support your understanding, but they should not replace personalised medical advice from your own rheumatologist, dermatologist or clinical team.