Ankylosing Spondylitis Specialist

What is ankylosing spondylitis?

Spondyloarthropathy, or spondyloarthritis, refers to a family of autoimmune conditions that cause joint inflammation. It affects mainly the joints of your spine and spinal column but may involve other joints as well.

Unlike other forms of arthritis, this condition specifically affects the connection point of the ligaments and the bones of your joints. Symptoms are caused by either inflammation or bone destruction that creates deformities in your spine and other joints.

Ankylosing spondylitis is the most common form of spondyloarthropathy, which mainly affects the spine. It causes arthritis of the vertebrae, and may result in spine deformities developing over time.

Other forms of spondyloarthropathy include psoriatic arthritis, which is an autoimmune problem that also affects the skin, and reactive spondyloarthritis, which is triggered by the infection.

If you have ankylosing spondylitis, you're in the hands of an experienced rheumatologist when cared for by Dr. Farheen, who has trained under some of the leading experts in the condition. 

What are the symptoms of spondyloarthropathy?

Symptoms of this condition can vary depending on the form of spondyloarthropathy you have. The most common symptom is back pain, which often starts in the low back, though you may also experience:

• Pain in your hips, shoulders, knees, or elbows
• Pain and tenderness in your heels, fingers, or toes
• Swelling and weakness in your joints
• Diminished function in affected joints

Spondyloarthropathy may also cause or worsen psoriasis, intestinal inflammation (Crohn’s disease or inflammatory bowel syndrome), or uveitis (inflammation and red eyes).

Proper diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent long-term disability and other complications of spondyloarthropathy.

How is spondyloarthropathy treated?

Treatments for this condition usually focus on reducing inflammation and pain. Dr. Farheen is knowledgeable about the most up-to-date treatments and techniques to help treat the underlying causes of your symptoms.

Your treatment depends on the form of spondyloarthritis you have, but in general, may include:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Antibiotics
• Other advanced medication therapies
• Surgery to correct deformities
• Physical therapy

It may be important to include other specialists, such as a gastroenterologist or ophthalmologist, as part of your overall treatment plan. This can help to prevent the worsening of symptoms or prevent long-term complications as a result of your spondyloarthropathy.

Dr. Farheen has conducted cutting-edge research on ankylosing spondylitis as both a clinical investigator and principal investigator at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. For a consultation, call the office or book an appointment online today.