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However, there is limited scientific evidence that links exist between these two conditions. Scientists have investigated whether having one of these conditions increases the risk of developing the other. While up to 25% of people with one autoimmune condition go on to develop another, evidence of a link between PsA and MS is inconclusive. This article discusses what PsA and MS are, the possible links between these conditions, and treatments and lifestyle changes that can help reduce symptoms. Overview of PsA and MS Share on PinterestMike Powell/Getty ImagesThe following table provides an overview of these two conditions.PsAMSAge of onset15–3520–40Genderaffects males and females equallyaffects more women than menEthnicitymore common in people of European descentsimilar prevalence in African Americans and people of European descentSymptoms• inflammation• joint stiffness, swelling, and pain• enthesitis• visual disturbances• fatigue• pain• loss of muscle strength• psychiatric and cognitive changesAffected areas• lower limbs• fingers and toes• spine• eyes• nails• gastrointestinal tract• ligaments and tendons• brain• spinal cordSymptom severityvaries from person to personvaries from person to person PsA PsA is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system targets the joints, causing inflammation, pain, and stiffness. It has an association with psoriasis — 20–30% of people with psoriasis also experience PsA. Psoriasis affects more than 3% of U.S. adults. Scientists estimate that 15–30% of these people go on to develop PsA. Symptoms of PsA frequently develop 7–10 years after the first symptoms of psoriasis. However, it is possible for a person to have PsA without psoriasis or to develop PsA before experiencing skin symptoms. One of the key characteristics of PsA is enthesitis, which is a pain in the soles of the feet, the elbows, the back of the head, and other areas. Enthesitis is due to tenderness where ligaments and tendons connect to the bones. MS MS harms the central nervous system by destroying the myelin around nerve cells. According to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, up to 913,925 people are living with MS in the United States. MS affects vision, balance, motor ability, the bladder and bowels, and the senses. People who have MS may also experience mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. Cognitive symptoms, such as difficulty remembering or concentrating, affect roughly half of all people with MS. What is the link between PsA and MS Researchers continue to study the similarities and differences between PsA and MS. There is some evidence that these conditions have a link; however, data is limited and sometimes conflicting. The authors of a 2019 review suggest the following links: Environmental risk factors Both PsA and MS have known and unknown environmental risk factors. Viral infections and smoking are shared risk factors for these conditions. However, scientists have identified environmental risk factors that these conditions do not share. Fungal and bacterial infections, obesity, and increased stress levels are risk factors for PsA. Risk factors for MS include UV radiation exposure, low vitamin D levels, and Epstein-Barr viral infections. Genetic risk factors Genetic analysis shows that these conditions share variations in Th-17 cells and IL-23 receptors. However, each condition also has separate variations in these receptors. Overactive immune system Both PsA and MS are autoimmune conditions, which means the body’s immune system begins to target itself. People with either condition have an increase in IL-23 receptors and TNF-alpha cytokines, which cause inflammatory and autoimmune responses. However, levels of IL-27 cytokines differ in people with these conditions. People with MS have lower levels of IL-27, whereas those with PsA have higher levels. Specific causes of PsA and MS Both PsA and MS are multifactorial conditions, which means they have multiple causes, some of which scientists have not yet discovered. PsA Possible causes of PsA include:bacterial infections such as strep throatviral infections such as HIVfungal infectionsmedications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)smokingobesitystress PsA may have a genetic factor. As many as 40% of people with the condition also have a family member who has it. MS Possible causes of MS include:exposure to high levels of UV radiationlow vitamin D levelsEpstein-Barr viral infectionsmoking Recent research suggests that people who have had an Epstein-Barr viral infection are up to 32 times more likely to develop MS than those who have not contracted this virus. Diagnosis of PsA and MS Both PsA and MS require a comprehensive doctor’s examination for diagnosis. PsA Doctors may perform the following examinations and tests to diagnose PsA:joint examinationsanalysis of skin and nailsblood testsskin biopsiesmedical imaging, such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasound MS A diagnosis of MS requires:evidence of central nervous system damage in at least two placesevidence that damage took place at different timesruling out other causes Currently, the process for diagnosing MS can include:a complete medical historytests of cranial nerve functiontests of reflexes, sensation, balance, walking, and coordinationblood testsMRI scans Treatment and lifestyle management Treatment for PsA and MS depends on the type and severity of symptoms a person is experiencing. There is limited scientific research on treating people with both PsA and arthritis. However, a case study found that using two different monoclonal antibodies, natalizumab and secukinumab, was effective in reducing symptoms of both conditions. While this treatment is promising, the sample size of one person means more research is necessary. PsA Treatment for PsA can include:NSAIDs such as ibuprofenantirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, and sulfasalazinebiologics The following strategies may be helpful for people with PsA:regular gentle exercise, such as walkinguse of shoe inserts and walking aids for support as necessaryregular stretching or yogaaqua therapyphysical and occupational therapy MS Treatment for MS typically proceeds along three tracks:managing symptoms of MSfinding ways to avoid flare-ups and lessen their impact when they occurtaking medication to slow the progression of damage due to MS Doctors may prescribe monoclonal antibodies, beta interferon drugs such as Avonex and Refib, and immunosuppressants to reduce the severity of symptoms. People who experience muscle spasms or stiffness may benefit from muscle relaxants and tranquilizers such as baclofen. Certain lifestyle habits may help a person with MS manage their symptoms. Suggestions include:following a healthy, balanced, diet high in fruits, vegetables, and grains and low in processed foodsexercising regularlyavoiding extreme temperaturesmaintaining regular sleep patterns Prevention There is currently no way to prevent PsA or MS. However, people with these conditions can work closely with their healthcare team to identify and reduce the occurrence of flare-ups. PsA The following may help prevent PsA flare-ups:monitoring symptomsidentifying and avoiding triggerstaking medications regularlyavoiding injuryexercising regularly to support joint supplenessattempting to reduce stress, possibly with the help of practices such as meditation MS People with MS can work with their healthcare team to develop and follow a treatment plan to reduce the severity of symptoms. Treatment plans typically include:disease-modifying therapies to slow MS progressiontreatment to shorten relapses and reduce their severitymanagement of MS symptoms Outlook Both PsA and MS are chronic conditions, which means they currently have no cure. People with these conditions experience symptoms that vary in severity. PsA Healthcare professionals classify PsA as an aggressive condition that can greatly impact a person’s quality of life. While some people may experience less pain and inflammation than others, experts associate the following factors with greater severity of the condition:inflammation in a large number of jointsloss of function in the jointsdamage to the joints MS MS symptoms are often mild in the beginning but become worse over time. People may begin to find it difficult to walk, although many people can still do so with support. Additionally, MS may shorten a person’s life expectancy by 7–14 years in comparison to the general population. Summary PsA and MS are separate conditions with distinct qualities. They affect different parts of the body and have different symptoms. However, they are both immune-mediated chronic conditions that cause inflammation. Researchers continue to explore the possibility that PsA and MS are linked. Currently, scientific evidence is inconclusive. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022UncategorizedMedically reviewed by Stella Bard, MD — By Danielle Dresden on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageBiologics for psoriatic arthritis: Everything you need to knowMedically reviewed by Brenda B. 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