Ankylosing spondylitis

Overview

It can also cause eye inflammation (uveitis) and heel pain.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Low back pain and morning stiffness
• Low back stiffness that improves with movement, in a younger adult

Less common

• Heel pain
• Eye pain
• Tiredness

Look up a symptom: Back pain · Joints stiff after rest or in the morning · Low back stiffness that improves with movement, in a younger adult

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune inflammation.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.
• It can run in families. Tell your doctor if a parent, brother, or sister has it.

Who is more likely to get it

• Men
• Family history

Possible complications

• Uveitis

Diagnosis

Tests and imaging.

Questions you may be asked

• Morning stiffness length

The exam

Spine motion.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• HLA-B27 blood test:
• X-ray or MRI:

Treatment

Keep moving.

Self-care

• Daily stretching and exercise
• Good posture
• Don't smoke

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).

Living with it

Support groups and helplines

• Arthritis Foundation: Helpline, exercise programs, and online community.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Treatment keeps most people active.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• Do I need a biologic?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Ankylosing spondylitis