Some of the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis

Posted by editor2 on Thursday 26 Mar 2009

Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that chiefly affects spinal cord and sacroiliac joints in our body. Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis usually begin in early adulthood between the age-group of 20-30, they may occur in early childhood or much later. The symptoms usually start gradually and last more than 3 months.

Severe pain and stiffness in the buttocks and lower back are the most common symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis. The stiffness and pain worsens in the morning and during night and may be improved by easy exercise or warm shower. The pain may become severe after prolonged sitting or rest and it may improve with exercise and activity.

Enthesis is a region where a ligament or tendon attaches to the bone, inflammation of enthesis is one of the important features of ankylosing spondylitis. Enthesitis can develop in elbow ribs and heel. Enthesitis of ribs can cause chest pain particularly during deep breath, coughing and sneezing.

Hip pain, peripheral arthritis, enthesitis and shoulder pain are some other symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. Arthritis of hip is usually associated with ankylosing spondylitis which can cause severe pain in the hips and difficulty in walking. Shoulder pain due to inflammation of tendons and bones which can cause restriction in the mobility of affected shoulder. There may be pain, stiffness and swelling of peripheral joints and it can affect a single joint or more joints at a time.

Loss of appetite, general discomfort and fever is also observed in the early stages of ankylosing spondylitis. Patients with ankylosing spondylitis may have problems like malaise and fatigue. Low grade fever, weight loss and disturbed sleep due to joint pain are some of the symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Some people may experience the bowel inflammation that is associated with ulcerative colitis.

Ankylosing spondylitis is often accompanied by uveitis or iritis. About one third of people suffering with ankylosing spondylitis will experience inflammation of the eye at least once. Signs are Eyes becoming painful, red, watery and individuals may experience sensitivity to bright light and blurred vision.