Can Psoriatic Arthritis Cause Heavy Sweating?

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is best known for causing joint pain, stiffness and fatigue, but some people living with it also experience heavy sweating. 

While sweating isn’t one of the usual textbook symptoms, there are several plausible reasons why it can happen. 

Below, we explore the possible causes and offer guidance, followed by helpful UK resources for further support.

Why Heavy Sweating Might Occur with PsA

Inflammation & Elevated Body Temperature

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition, meaning your immune system may attack healthy tissue. During flare-ups, the body releases inflammatory mediators (e.g. cytokines) that can raise your internal temperature. This increase can contribute to excessive sweating, even when you’re not exerting yourself.

Pain, Discomfort & Stress Response

Persistent pain or discomfort can trigger the body’s sympathetic (fight-or-flight) system, which may lead to sweating. Anxiety and stress around flare-ups, mobility and daily functioning can amplify this effect.

Side Effects from Medications

Some medications used in managing PsA may cause hot flushes, night sweats or increased sweating as side effects. Examples include:

Corticosteroids (steroids)

Some biologic therapies

Occasional reactions to NSAIDs or pain medications

If the sweating began shortly after starting a new medication, it’s worth discussing with your healthcare team.

Night Sweats & Low-Grade Fever

Active PsA sometimes involves low-grade systemic inflammation, which can trigger night sweats or mild fevers. These effects are more likely when inflammation is more widespread or when the immune system is battling an infection (especially in people on immunosuppressive treatment).

Coexisting Conditions

Because autoimmune diseases can cluster, someone with PsA may also develop thyroid disorders (e.g. hyperthyroidism) or other conditions that independently lead to excess sweating, heat intolerance or metabolic changes. It’s always wise to explore whether other causes are at play.

When to Seek Medical Advice

You should talk to your GP or rheumatologist if:

Heavy sweating is new or getting worse

It comes with fever, chills, weight loss or other unexplained symptoms

It disrupts your sleep, comfort or daily life

It began after starting or changing a treatment

Your healthcare team may assess for infections, check your thyroid function, or adjust medications as needed.

Tips to Stay Comfortable

While you and your clinician explore possible causes, these practical tips may help:

Wear breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics (e.g. cotton, technical fabrics)

Keep your bedroom cool, use light bedding

Stay well hydrated, especially during flare-ups

Try stress-management techniques (deep breathing, mindfulness, gentle stretching)

Limit caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods if these seem to trigger sweating.

Resources:-

NHS – Psoriatic Arthritis / Psoriasis Authoritative NHS pages covering symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and living advice. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis

Versus Arthritis/Arthritis UK Comprehensive information, downloadable booklets, helpline support, guidance on living with arthritis https://www.arthritis-uk.org

Helpline: 0800 5200 520 

The Psoriasis Association Support for people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis; helpline; information leaflets; video resources psoriasis-association.org.uk

01604 251 620 

PAPAA (Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis Alliance) Patient-centred support, treatment guides, symptom checkers, advocacy in the UK papaa.org

World Arthritis Day 2025: Raising Awareness and Supporting Those Living with Joint Pain

World Arthritis Day 2025 – Raising Awareness and Supporting Those with Arthritis in the UK

What Is World Arthritis Day?

Each year on 12th October, millions of people mark World Arthritis Day to raise awareness of arthritis and related musculoskeletal conditions. 

The day aims to highlight the daily challenges faced by those living with joint pain and stiffness, encourage early diagnosis, and promote access to effective treatment and support.

Understanding Arthritis

Arthritis isn’t just one illness, it’s a term that covers over 100 different conditions affecting the joints, bones, and muscles. The two most common types are:

Osteoarthritis: Caused by wear and tear of the joints over time.

Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation as the immune system attacks joint tissue.

Key symptoms can include:

Ongoing joint pain and stiffness

Swelling and tenderness

Reduced mobility or fatigue

Difficulty completing everyday tasks

Over 10 million people in the UK live with some form of arthritis, according to Versus Arthritis.

Yet, many still misunderstand the condition or assume it only affects older people — when it can, in fact, affect anyone at any age, including children.

Why World Arthritis Day Matters

Raising awareness of arthritis is vital because it helps to:

Encourage early diagnosis and treatment

Increase funding for research into improved therapies

Support public understanding and empathy

Drive policy changes for better healthcare access

World Arthritis Day also gives those living with arthritis a chance to share their stories, connect with others, and know they’re not alone in their struggle.

The 2025 Theme: “Joint Effort – Together for a Pain-Free Future”

This year’s theme, “Joint Effort – Together for a Pain-Free Future,” emphasises collaboration — from healthcare professionals and charities to families, employers, and policymakers.

It calls for a united approach to tackling arthritis by combining medical innovation, social awareness, and compassionate support.

How to Get Involved in World Arthritis Day 2025

Here are some simple ways to show your support on 12th October and beyond:

Wear blue – the official awareness colour.

Share your story or arthritis facts on social media using #WorldArthritisDay and #WAD2025.

Donate or volunteer with charities like Versus Arthritis.

Host an event – such as a charity walk, yoga class, or tea morning for awareness and fundraising.

Learn more about arthritis symptoms to help recognise the signs early.

Living Well with Arthritis

While there’s currently no cure for arthritis, many treatments and lifestyle strategies can help manage the symptoms:

Regular low-impact exercise such as swimming or walking

Following an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, fruit, and vegetables

Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce pressure on joints

Using physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or pain management techniques

Seeking emotional support or joining an arthritis community group

Small adjustments can make a huge difference to daily comfort and mobility.

World Arthritis Day 2025 serves as a reminder that joint pain and stiffness shouldn’t be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. With the right support, early diagnosis, and community understanding, people with arthritis can continue to live active, fulfilling lives.

By raising awareness and supporting organisations such as Versus Arthritis, we can all contribute to a pain-free, more inclusive future for those living with arthritis across the UK.

https://versusarthritis.org

Why Do I Have Sausage Fingers? The Top 3 Causes Explained

If you’ve ever looked down at your hands and thought your fingers seem puffier than usual, almost sausage-like, you’re not alone. 

Swollen fingers can be uncomfortable, unsightly, and sometimes worrying. 

While the term “sausage fingers” might sound light-hearted, it can point to several underlying health issues. Here are the three most common reasons.

1. Fluid Retention (Oedema)

One of the most frequent culprits is simple fluid build-up in the tissues. When your body retains water, it often shows up in your hands, ankles, and feet.

Possible triggers include:

Hot weather (blood vessels dilate and fluid leaks into tissues).

Eating too much salt.

Standing or sitting still for long stretches.

Hormonal changes (including during pregnancy).

Underlying conditions such as heart, kidney, or liver problems.

Tip: If your swelling comes and goes and is linked to heat, salt, or posture, it may not be serious. But persistent swelling should always be checked by a GP.

2. Arthritis (Especially Psoriatic Arthritis)

Arthritis is another leading cause of sausage-like fingers.

Psoriatic arthritis is particularly known for causing dactylitis, where an entire finger swells uniformly, resembling a sausage. This is due to inflammation not only in the joints but also in the tendons.

Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis can also lead to swelling, stiffness, and thickening of the joints, though the swelling may be more localised.

Tip: If your fingers are swollen along with stiffness, joint pain, or difficulty gripping objects, book an appointment with your GP or rheumatologist. Early treatment can prevent lasting joint damage.

3. Injury or Inflammation

Sometimes, swollen fingers are simply the result of trauma or infection.

Injuries such as sprains, fractures, or crush damage cause the body to send fluid and inflammatory cells to the site.

Infections (like paronychia around the nail or cellulitis in the finger) can make the area red, hot, and swollen.

Tip: Sudden swelling in one finger, especially if it’s painful, red, or warm to the touch, may indicate an infection that needs urgent medical attention.

Other Possible Causes

Though less common, sausage-like fingers can also be linked to:

Gout (uric acid crystals in the joints).

Allergic reactions.

Thyroid disease.

Autoimmune conditions like scleroderma.

When to See a Doctor

Seek medical advice if your finger swelling:

Comes on suddenly without explanation.

Is painful, red, or associated with fever.

Persists for more than a few days.

Is accompanied by other symptoms such as skin changes, breathlessness, or severe joint pain.

Final Word

While sausage fingers might sometimes be caused by something as simple as heat or salty food, they can also point to more serious conditions like arthritis or infection. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to get checked out. Your hands work hard for you, so don’t ignore what they might be trying to tell you.

Charity makes use of disused building to raise awareness of childhood arthritis

“We’ve been welcomed by all the neighbours in the area who are pleased to see the building back in use again."

Arthritis is a condition that is most commonly associated with the elderly, yet around 20 children each week are diagnosed with arthritis in the UK.

Juvenile Arthritis Research is a charity based in Tonbridge, Kent, that supports children, young people and families impacted by Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an autoimmune condition where the body’s natural defences attack the joints causing inflammation, pain and reduced mobility. It can affect children of any age. Once diagnosed, someone with JIA has the condition for life.

The charity was founded 5 years ago by Tonbridge resident Richard Beesley whose wife and daughter both have the condition.

“Before working at Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council, I used to work as a researcher an statistician, so I wanted to go back to my roots in science to help find a cure for JIA,” Richard told us.

The charity soon realised as well as wanting a cure for the condition, families also lacked information and support.

“We worked together with parents, young people, the medical profession, and even with teachers and schools to develop information resources to support families when a child is diagnosed with JIA.”

Awareness of childhood arthritis is low and this can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment. The condition can cause permanent joint damage if left untreated, as well as complications with eyesight from JIA-related uveitis (inflammation inside the eye).

“Prompt diagnosis really is utterly vital. The delays aren't due to long waiting lists. The delays are happening because of a lack of awareness that children and young people can even get arthritis so we need to increase awareness amongst families, amongst schools, amongst healthcare professionals such as GPs and A&E staff who might be amongst the first medical professionals that a family sees. They need to know that it is ok for them to refer to specialist paediatric rheumatology services if they suspect that it could be JIA.” (EDITOR: As a child, my wife's JIA was dismissed as "growing pains" by her doctors.)

To enable communities and health professionals to learn about the signs and symptoms of JIA, Juvenile Arthritis Research have developed an awareness campaign called “ThinkJIA”, the idea being to just “Just thInk and Ask” if it could be JIA if a child is experiencing any issues with their joints lasting over six weeks.

“GPs will normally rule out other serious conditions but JIA is unfortunately often overlooked. Often blood tests and X-rays will appear completely normal in JIA so it really is important to refer to paediatric rheumatology where specialists can make a diagnosis. A referral to an eye specialist is also vital because around 1 in 5 children with JIA can develop uveitis which can cause loss of sight if not detected and treated promptly.”

Juvenile Arthritis Research have just moved into new premises in Tonbridge on the site of the old SCI gym on the industrial estate.

“We’ve been welcomed by all the neighbours in the area who are pleased to see the building back in use again. They are particularly excited to know it's a charity which is making a difference and having a real impact that has moved in here. We’re very happy to be there too as it means we can support even more families in the local area as well as the work we do across the entire UK.”

New window signage has been installed with thought-provoking, yet positive, imagery. It features local children, young people and families from the local area who came along to the building for a recent photoshoot. Local photographer Janet Penny from Hushabye Photography donated her time and skills to enable the window signage awareness-raising project to happen.

The images are bright and colourful and feature some of the core messages families affected by JIA wanted others to know.

Richard went on to tell That's Health: “We try to get a balance in all we do between the serious side of raising awareness and showing that living with JIA can bring it’s challenges whilst also giving hope to those diagnosed so that they know that with the right treatment and support, they can still lead full lives.”

As a very small volunteer-run charity, Juvenile Arthritis Research would love to hear from any businesses or funders who are able to offer their skills, services or funding towards their work.

“We’re thrilled to have such a visual presence in Tonbridge with the new building as we hope that it will enable us to continue to strengthen our links with the local community.”

To learn more please visit them at https://www.jarproject.org