Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of arthritis that targets the spine and pelvis. It is an inflammatory condition that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints, and other sites of attachment of muscles, tendons and ligaments.

These symptoms may gradually progress and may affect everyday tasks like walking and sitting. While the hallmark of AS is back pain in young individuals, AS could present with other symptoms as well. In this article, we will discuss other symptoms associated with AS besides back pain that you should look out for.

1. Hip pain

Pain and stiffness in the hip joint is a common symptom of AS. The hip joint is located where the femur bone (thigh bone) meets the pelvic bone. Hip inflammation can cause pain in the joint, which can extend down the thigh or groin.

The pain may also be worse at night and can be accompanied by a feeling of stiffness.

2. Chest pain

AS can also lead to chest pain, which is typically caused by inflammation of the joints where the ribs meet the spine or sternum. The pain can be sharp and stabbing and can be felt along the chest wall.

In some cases, it can be difficult to differentiate chest pain caused by AS from other causes, so it is important to see a doctor if you experience persistent chest pain.

3. Fatigue

AS can cause fatigue, which is a feeling of exhaustion that is not relieved by rest. The fatigue can be caused by the inflammation associated with AS or by other symptoms of the condition, such as poor sleep due to pain or stiffness.

4. Eye inflammation

Uveitis, or inflammation of the eye, is a possible complication of AS and can cause eye pain, redness, and sensitivity to light. Uveitis can be episodic and recurrent, or chronic and can have serious consequences like loss of vision.

People with AS should consult their doctor if they notice any eye inflammation symptoms.

5. Heel pain

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone, is common in people with AS. This inflammation can cause pain and stiffness in the heel and can make it difficult to walk.

6. Bowel symptoms

About 10% of people with AS will experience bowel symptoms. These can range from abdominal pain, diarrhea, to even blood in the stool. These symptoms could indicate bowel inflammation that can be associated with AS.

Therefore, evaluation by a gastroenterologist is warranted if such symptoms are reported by the patient for appropriate management.

7. Skin rashes

Skin rashes are not always present in AS but can occur.

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by scaly rashes, is seen in about 10% of people with AS and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome, which involves dry eyes, mouth, and other body tissues is seen rarely too. .

8. Breathing difficulties

AS can also affect the lungs, leading to breathing difficulties. This can happen if the inflammation associated with AS affects the tissues surrounding the lungs or if the spine becomes fused, causing the rib cage to become less flexible.

9. Numbness and tingling

In some cases, AS can cause numbness and tingling sensations in the arms and legs. This can occur if the condition leads to nerve compression, which can cause pain, weakness, or loss of sensation in the affected areas.

10. Limited mobility

People with AS may experience limited mobility as the condition progresses.

This can be due to stiffness in the joints and spine, which can make it difficult to move freely, or out of discomfort in weight-bearing joints such as hips, knees and ankles. .

Conclusion

AS is a painful and often debilitating condition that can cause a range of symptoms. While back pain is the hallmark symptom of AS, it is important to be aware of the other symptoms that can occur.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor so that appropriate investigations and management can be initiated timely. .