What is psoriatic arthritis

[Kat]

I have osteoarthritis as well as being diagnosed (over a year ago now) with psoriatic arthritis.  I also have a bone spur on the back of my right heel.  SO, it's a bit complicated to figure out what is going on.

My ankle is very stiff, and in the past I was able to stretch it or walk it out to where once it wasn't stiff things were better.  Now however, stretching does still offer some relief but not as much plus the stretching itself has become more uncomfortable.  I have an appointment with the orthopedic doctor next week for the bone spur.  He had sent me for physical therapy (which helps maybe a little but mostly due to stretching more during that time)  This is my last visit with him unless I decide I want surgery to take care of the bone spur (which I don't intend to do unless it gets to the point I feel I have no choice)  He said it won't go away unless I have surgery and it will be no weight bearing for months if I have the surgery so nope.  Anyway....

I can't tell how much is the bone spur and how much is the arthritis and how much on the arthritis is it ortho or psoriatic.  At a loss as to how to proceed.  I cancelled my last rheumatologist appointment as it was still during the unknown covid times as far as wanting to start a biologic and perhaps being more susceptible to complications so I haven't seen him in well over a year. 

Does stretching help with psoriatic arthritis?  I find it's worse in the mornings and also I'm noticing more pain in my ankle than before.  Just trying to figure out my next step to take with treatment.

I find stretching and movement helps psoriatic arthritis but not always easy to do. As for the bone spur, Mrs Fred went through a lot with her shoulder where they removed part of the bone among other things but it's sadly no better.

That's one reason I'm not interested in surgery right now. I could see going through all of that and finding out that maybe it feels a little better but the surgery isn't going to help the arthritis so if that's the main culprit then I would have gone through a surgery (and no weight bearing which would restrict movement MORE) for no reason. Just not sure what to do.