FAQ: What Causes Spondyloarthropathy?

Experts don’t know what causes spondyloarthropathies. The presence of a particular gene, HLA-B27, is often associated with ankylosing spondylitis. Spondyloarthropathies, especially ankylosing spondylitis, are more likely to run in families than other forms of rheumatic disease, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.

Can Spondyloarthropathy be cured?

There’s no cure for spondyloarthritis. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving or maintaining mobility, and reducing your risk for complications. Although it may seem counterintuitive, regular movement is critical in managing discomfort associated with the condition.

What triggers spondyloarthritis?

No one knows what causes spondyloarthritis. Researchers believe that genes play a big role. For example, some people with a gene called HLA-B27 are at greater risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Gender may also be a risk factor for AS as men are more likely to develop this condition than women.

Is Spondyloarthropathy an autoimmune disease?

Inflammatory spondyloarthropathy, also known as spondyloarthritis, is an autoimmune disease. It occurs when the immune system attacks the spine and sometimes the joints of the arms and legs. Men are most likely to be affected by inflammatory spondyloarthropathy, especially younger men in their teens and twenties.

Is Spondyloarthropathy the same as ankylosing spondylitis?

Axial spondyloarthritis can be considered a subset of spondyloarthritis that affects primarily the axial joints (the joints of the spine, chest, and pelvis). Ankylosing spondylitis is generally considered a specific subset of axial spondyloarthritis.

Is Spondyloarthropathy a form of arthritis?

Spondyloarthropathies are forms of arthritis that usually strike the bones in your spine and nearby joints. They can cause pain and sometimes damage joints like your backbone, shoulders, and hips.

What is the life expectancy of someone with ankylosing spondylitis?

Life expectancy for people who have ankylosing spondylitis is the same as that of the general population, except for patients who have the most severe forms of the disease and for those who have complications.

What is the best treatment for spondyloarthritis?

Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs are the most commonly used class of medication for the treatment of pain and stiffness associated with spondyloarthritis.

What happens if you don’t treat spondyloarthritis?

However, leaving the condition untreated may lead to one or more of these conditions: Uveitis. Inflammation of your eyes, causing pain, sensitivity to light, and blurred vision. Difficulty breathing.

Is spondyloarthritis degenerative?

axSpA, axial spondyloarthritis. For both MRI and radiographic images, degenerative changes were found predominantly in the lumbar spine. Especially at L4–L5 and L5–S1, the prevalence of degeneration was high. Overall, 292/366 (79.8%) patients with degeneration in the lumbar spine had degeneration at this location.

Is Spondyloarthropathy a disability?

Disability Listing for Ankylosing Spondylitis The Social Security Administration (SSA) recognizes ankylosing spondylitis as a potentially disabling illness, under the ankylosing spondylitis section of its inflammatory arthritis listing (along with other spondyloarthropathies).

What are the symptoms of spondyloarthritis?

Symptoms of spondyloarthritis vary between patients but may include:

• Longstanding low back pain.
• Back stiffness.
• Back pain and stiffness are typically worse at night and improve with exercise.
• Fatigue.
• Painful swelling of joints.
• Sausage-like appearance of fingers or toes.
• Heel pain.
• Skin and nail changes of psoriasis.

Is Spondyloarthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis?

Both rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis are very common. Although they share some similarities, the conditions also have significant differences. Spondyloarthritis tends to be more common in males, whereas rheumatoid arthritis is more common in females.

What is Dactylitis?

Dactylitis is a type of inflammation in the fingers or toes. Symptoms include swelling in one or more digits, often affecting the entire hand or foot. The swelling can give the fingers a bloated, sausage-like appearance. This swelling may be painful and make it difficult to move the affected area.

Is spondylitis hereditary?

Although ankylosing spondylitis can occur in more than one person in a family, it is not a purely genetic disease. Multiple genetic and environmental factors likely play a part in determining the risk of developing this disorder.