- Spondyloarthritis comprises of a group of conditions where the arthritis occurs in joints of the spine as well as peripheral joints.
- Patients present with back pain which improves with activity and worsens with rest. They may have swelling, pain and stiffness of other joints.
- The following conditions are part of the spondyloarthritis spectrum: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, Reactive Arthritis, Enteropathic Arthritis and Undifferentiated Spondyloarthritis.
- Patients may present with other symptoms such as red eyes, blood in stools, joint pains or stiffness. There may be a history of preceding illness like sexually transmitted disease or chest, urinary or gastrointestinal infection in patients who present with Reactive Arthritis.
- You should consult a Rheumatologist if you are persistent back pain which is worse in the morning or after periods of rest, reduced mobility of neck and spine, other joint pains or any of the symptoms mentioned above.
- Your Rheumatologist will ask you questions about your symptoms, examine you and order investigations to arrive at a diagnosis.
- Your Rheumatologist will discuss the best available treatment options and expected outcomes with you. Treatment options may include tablets, injectable medications, joint injections, fish oil capsules, exercises and others. You will need some regular ongoing treatment to control your arthritis.
- Learning strategies to cope with your pain, balancing your activities and rest periods and eating a healthy balanced diet are also essential. Feel free to discuss your difficulties with your Rheumatologist and seek help when needed.
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