What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine. Normally, the joints and ligaments in the spine help us move and bend. If you have ankylosing spondylitis, over time, the inflammation in the joints and tissues of the spine can cause stiffness.
Common Symptoms
- Pain, stiffness, and inflammation in other joints, such as the ribs, shoulders, knees, or feet.
- Difficulty taking deep breaths if the joints connecting the ribs are affected.
- Vision changes and eye pain due to uveitis, which is inflammation of the eye.
- Fatigue, or feeling very tired.
- Loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Skin rashes.
- Abdominal pain and loose bowel movements.
Medications
There is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis; however, your doctor will work with you to help manage the disease. In most cases, treatment includes medication and physical therapy. Sometimes, people with severe disease need surgery to repair joint damage. Most people with ankylosing spondylitis take medications, which may include one or more of the following:
- Infliximab (Inflectra, Remicade, Renflexis)
- Simponi
- Simponi Aria