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Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment in Rowlett, TX

Psoriatic arthritis is sneaky. It can start with a stiff finger or a swollen toe that doesn’t seem like a big deal. But underneath, your immune system is attacking your joints, and the longer it goes untreated, the more damage it does. If you’re dealing with joint pain alongside psoriasis, or even joint symptoms without a clear skin connection yet, it’s time to see a rheumatologist.

Dr. Frances Lomibao is a board-certified, fellowship-trained rheumatologist providing psoriatic arthritis treatment in Rowlett, TX for patients throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area. She takes the time to connect the dots between your skin and joint symptoms, diagnose accurately, and build a treatment plan that addresses the full picture.

Call 469-825-4010 Request Appointment

Why DFW Patients Choose Dr. Lomibao for Psoriatic Arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis affects everyone differently. Some patients have mild joint stiffness and a few patches of psoriasis. Others deal with severe joint swelling, nail changes, and debilitating fatigue. Cookie-cutter treatment doesn't work here.

Dr. Lomibao builds each treatment plan around the individual. She considers your specific symptoms, how aggressive the disease is, what other conditions you're managing, and what your daily life looks like. Named one of D Magazine's "Best Doctors" from 2022 through 2025, she's known for spending real time with her patients and never rushing through an appointment.

What Psoriatic Arthritis Actually Is

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and, in most cases, the skin. Your immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue, leading to swollen, painful joints and the red, scaly patches associated with psoriasis.

About 30% of people with psoriasis eventually develop PsA. But here's what catches people off guard: joint symptoms can appear before any skin involvement, making diagnosis tricky without a specialist.

PsA can affect any joint in the body. It commonly targets the fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and lower back. Without treatment, it can permanently damage joints and tendons.

How Dr. Lomibao Diagnoses Psoriatic Arthritis

Detailed History and Physical Exam

Dr. Lomibao reviews your full medical and family history, examines affected joints and skin, and looks for patterns like dactylitis (sausage-like swelling of entire fingers or toes) and enthesitis (pain where tendons attach to bone).

Lab Work and Imaging

Blood tests rule out other forms of arthritis like RA. Imaging, including X-rays and possibly ultrasound, reveals joint inflammation and any early erosion that wouldn't be visible to the eye.

Building Your Treatment Plan

Once diagnosed, Dr. Lomibao walks you through every available option. She explains what each treatment targets, expected timelines, and potential side effects so you can make an informed decision.

Psoriatic Arthritis Treatment Options

DMARDs

Medications like methotrexate or leflunomide slow the immune response that drives joint inflammation. These are often the starting point for moderate PsA.

Biologic Therapies

Biologics targeting TNF, IL-17, IL-23, or other immune pathways are highly effective for PsA, often addressing both joint and skin symptoms simultaneously. Infusions are administered in Dr. Lomibao's private on-site infusion lounge.

PDE4 Inhibitors

Oral medications like apremilast work differently than traditional DMARDs. They can help patients with mild-to-moderate PsA who want to avoid injections.

JAK Inhibitors

Newer oral options that block specific inflammatory pathways. Dr. Lomibao discusses these when other treatments haven't provided adequate relief.

Joint Injections

Corticosteroid injections into specific inflamed joints provide fast, targeted relief while systemic medications take effect.

Coordinated Skin and Joint Care

Dr. Lomibao works closely with your dermatologist to coordinate a treatment strategy that manages both your joint and skin symptoms without conflicting therapies.

Signs It's Time to See a Rheumatologist for PsA

Swollen Fingers or Toes That Look Like Sausages

Dactylitis, where an entire finger or toe puffs up, is one of the hallmark signs of psoriatic arthritis. It's different from the knuckle-focused swelling seen in RA.

Heel or Foot Pain That Won't Resolve

Enthesitis, inflammation at the spots where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, commonly affects the Achilles tendon and the bottom of the foot. If your heel pain isn't responding to typical treatments, PsA could be the reason.

Nail Pitting, Crumbling, or Separation

Changes in your fingernails or toenails, like tiny dents, thickening, or nails pulling away from the nail bed, are strong indicators of psoriatic disease even if you don't have obvious skin plaques.

Stiffness in Your Lower Back or Neck

PsA can affect the spine. If you're waking up with persistent lower back stiffness that improves with movement, it could point to an inflammatory cause.

You Have Psoriasis and New Joint Pain

If you've been diagnosed with psoriasis and are now noticing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, get a rheumatology evaluation sooner rather than later. Early treatment prevents joint damage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Psoriatic Arthritis

Can you have psoriatic arthritis without psoriasis?

Yes. About 15% of PsA patients develop joint symptoms before any skin involvement. A family history of psoriasis can also be a clue even if you don’t have plaques yourself.

How is PsA different from rheumatoid arthritis?

While both are autoimmune, PsA often involves the skin and nails, tends to affect joints asymmetrically, and can cause dactylitis and enthesitis. RA is typically symmetrical and doesn’t involve skin changes. Lab work and clinical patterns help distinguish them.

Will psoriatic arthritis get worse over time?

Without treatment, yes. PsA is progressive and can cause permanent joint damage. With proper management, many patients achieve low disease activity or remission.

Does Dr. Lomibao coordinate with dermatologists?

Absolutely. PsA involves both joint and skin disease, and Dr. Lomibao works with your dermatologist to create a unified treatment approach.

How long does it take for PsA treatment to work?

DMARDs take 6-12 weeks. Biologics often show improvement within 2-4 weeks, though full results can take a few months. Dr. Lomibao monitors your progress closely and adjusts as needed.

If you’re experiencing joint pain, swelling, or stiffness, especially alongside psoriasis or nail changes, call Lomibao Rheumatology and Wellness Care at 469-825-4010 to schedule an appointment in Rowlett, TX.

Lomibao Rheumatology

Address: 6842 Lakeview Parkway, Suite 100 Rowlett, TX 75088

Phone: (469) 825-4010

Email: scheduling@lomibaorheumatology.com