How Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Different from Arthritis?

Arthritis is a series of disorders that lead to pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. 

A series of disorders causing pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints is generally called arthritis. But are you aware that there are several different types of arthritis? Among these, ankylosing spondylitis is a specialized form that often affects the spinal area. It usually begins at the sacroiliac joints, which are the bottom of the spine, joining the pelvis region.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) has the typical arthritis signs that include weight loss, rashes, stiffness, pain, and more. Recognizing the difference between ankylosing spondylitis and other arthritis types, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, is necessary to learn its symptoms, treatments, and ways of managing it effectively. Let’s get started.

What Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?

Ankylosing Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that predominantly affects the spine and impacts other joints. AS isn’t just another arthritis type. It is a series of disorders that include axial spondyloarthritis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.

This condition leads to joint inflammation, stiffness, and long-term pain in the spinal joints, and after a long time, it fuses the vertebrae. Because of this, there will be no flexibility, which causes a forward bent posture. Things to know about AS:

• Approximately, it occurs in around 0.1 to 1.4 of the world population.
• It usually occurs in individuals who are in their early adulthood, aged from 15 to 40.
• AS occurs in men more than in women.

What Are The Common Symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

To differentiate ankylosing spondylitis from other arthritis types, understanding its key signals will play a huge role. The most common signs of ankylosing spondylitis are:

• In other types of arthritis, taking rest reduces the symptoms. Unlike others, this type worsens during rest but gets better during physical activities.
• In the lower back and hips, the pain could be chronic and lead to stiffness.
• Chronic pain in the joint of the spine and pelvis area, which is also called the sacroiliac joints.
• Causes morning stiffness for above 30 minutes.
• Other signs, including swollen eyes and pain in the heels.

It is important to note that the swelling nature of ankylosing spondylitis not only happens in the joints; it can extend to other body parts, including the digestive system, heart, and lungs. Ankylosing spondylitis is connected to autoimmune disorders, so these symptoms may differ for every single person and also overlap with other chronic disorders.

How is AS different From Other Arthritis Types?

Ankylosing spondylitis is one of the many types of arthritis. But its qualities differ from other arthritis forms. Let’s see:

1) Ankylosing Spondylitis and Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is also an inflammatory type of arthritis, but it has distinct characteristics, like a targeted pattern and joints. The main differences are:

• Rheumatoid arthritis affects the small joints in the wrists, hands, and feet symmetrically, which AS impacts the joints and spine where the pelvis and spine meet, the sacroiliac joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis starts from the swollen joints and causes tenderness, while on the other hand, ankylosing spondylitis begins as stiffness and causes fusion in the spine in some cases.
• Both arthritis involve body parts, but in AS, eye swelling, or uveitis, is a common sign.

2) Ankylosing Spondylitis and Osteoarthritis

One of the most common types of arthritis is OA (osteoarthritis). Unlike AS, which has a systemic inflammation process, osteoarthritis starts with cartilage breakdown in joints. The main differences are:

• Osteoarthritis results from mechanical stress, while AS is the result of systemic joint inflammation.
• According to the World Health Organization, ankylosing spondylitis typically begins at an early age, likely before the age of 40, while osteoarthritis occurs in older adults.
• AS significantly impacts the region where the pelvis and spine connect, while on the other side, OA impacts the joints that support weight, such as the knees and hip.

3) Ankylosing Spondylitis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) share some common features, like the involvement of the spine. Psoriatic arthritis is related to one of the common skin conditions called psoriasis, which is also a type of spondyloarthropathy. The main differences are:

• PsA asymmetrically affects the hands and feet, which also involves skin lesions, while on the other side, Ankylosing spondylitis involves the spinal region.
• Individuals with PsA will have noticeable changes in the nail, while individuals who have ankylosing spondylitis don’t.

Understanding these differences between AS and other types of arthritis will help you start the right ankylosing spondylitis treatment in Coimbatore and seek appropriate medical care as soon as possible.

What Are The Available Treatments For AS?

Ankylosing spondylitis can be managed efficiently through early diagnosis and treatment, which helps enhance the quality of life significantly. This treatment intends to manage the pain, mitigate the symptoms, and prevent this condition from progressing.

• Surgery: For individuals with rare cases like deformities and immense joint damage, surgery might be required for rare cases, especially for cases that need hip replacement.

• Lifestyle Changes: Simple lifestyle modifications like utilizing ergonomic chairs or sofas, having quality sleep, and maintaining good posture can make a huge impact. AS progression and symptoms could get worse due to smoking, and it should be avoided.

• Medications: For those who have ankylosing spondylitis, drugs are the first source of treatment, helping reduce pain and inflammation. Therapies might also be prescribed to focus on the inflammation pathways.
• Exercise and Physical Therapy: To improve flexibility and posture, simple exercises will be given. Swimming, yoga, and gentle stretching will help reduce the stiffness. It is highly suggested to work with a therapist who knows about AS.

Can AS Lead To Swollen Ankles?

The pain that results from ankylosing spondylitis is long-lasting. In case you’re not active for a long period, then it progresses and gets worse, causing shoulder, neck, thigh, hip, or pain. For example, let’s say you are sitting and working for a long time. As a result of this, you might experience stiffness, pain, and swelling in the knees and ankles.

What Is The Primary Cause of Ankylosing Spondylitis?

The root cause of this arthritis is not widely known, but it is believed that it could be linked to a specific gene variant, HLA-B27. This condition worsens and damages the spine, leading to the growth of new bone. There are also chances that this condition could cause the part of the spine to fuse and no longer have flexibility.

What Does AS Arthritis Feel Like?

This type of arthritis affects the major regions like tendons, ligaments, and joints of the base of the spine and lower back, and could make people feel exhausted. It is a level of tiredness that only people who live with it can understand.

The Bottom Line:

Each type of arthritis has its own characteristics, but AS differs in its symptoms, progression, and impact on everyday life. But there is some good news. With early diagnosis and a customized treatment plan from the Best Rheumatology Hospital in Coimbatore, you can lead an active and fulfilling life.

In case you or someone you know is going through stiffness, chronic pain, and the symptoms mentioned in this blog, consider or encourage visiting a healthcare provider. Millions living with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and other arthritis are struggling in daily life. But there is still hope blooming with the advancements in the treatment, which is a huge relief.