Definition:
Rheumatoid spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory arthritis. It is also referred to as ankylosing spondylitis or spondylitis.
Diagnosis:
The doctor determines the cause of the patient's discomfort by conducting a medical history and physical examination. The patient may also undergo certain diagnostic procedures such as X-rays or other imaging as well as blood tests. Doctors also use a complete blood count to diagnose the condition.
Treatment:
Patients are treated to relieve their symptoms and and prevent or delay any complications and spinal deformity. The condition is best treated early in its manifestation to avoid irreversible damage to the patient's joints. The doctor may prescribe medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, corticosteroids, and tumor necrosis factor blockers. Other patients may undergo physical therapy or surgery.
Symptoms and Signs:
Affected individuals may feel pain and stiffness in their lower back and hips in the early stages of the condition. These symptoms usually worsen during periods without activity such as in the morning and at night. They may progress up the spine and to other joints, such as those in the hips, shoulders, knees, and feet.
Causes:
The cause of the condition is not specifically known but genetics may contribute to the condition.
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