Spondyloarthritis – Causes, Signs, Types, and Management
Spondyloarthritis, or SpA, refers to a cluster of diseases involving inflammation of the spine and joints. Ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis are common types of this condition. The national prevalence of this condition is approximately 700 per 1,00,000 individuals, with its severity and type of spondyloarthritis differing among patients. However, recognizing signs and diagnoses of the condition early can help ensure timely treatment and symptom management. So, here’s everything to know about spondyloarthritis:
Causes and risk factors
Genetic factors
Many patients with spondyloarthritis have the gene variant HLA-B27 and are at a higher risk of developing it. Similarly, many other gene variants increasing one’s risk of developing the disease have also been identified.
Bacterial infections
Certain types of spondyloarthritis may develop following a bacterial infection. For example, reactive arthritis is spondyloarthritis that develops after a urinary tract infection or infectious diarrhea. Certain studies also claim that ankylosing spondylitis results from a bacterial infection.
Psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis, a type of spondyloarthritis, stems from psoriasis. Studies suggest that about 3 in 20 to 3 in 10 people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis.
Family history
Up to 50% of individuals with psoriatic arthritis have at least one parent or sibling diagnosed with the condition.
Symptoms of spondyloarthritis
Fever
Fever is a symptom of reactive arthritis, a subtype of spondyloarthritis. A study demonstrated that 33% of patients with reactive arthritis had a fever.
Loss of sleep
Many spondyloarthritis conditions – particularly those affecting the spine, such as ankylosing spondylitis – cause severe physical discomfort, leading to sleep difficulties.
Restricted mobility
Conditions like ankylosing arthritis and psoriatic arthritis can lead to mobility issues, as these diseases affect the spine and joints, respectively.
Swelling and tenderness of certain body parts
Persons with spondyloarthritis may experience pain, swelling, and tenderness in the lower back, hips, knees, elbows, and shoulders. These symptoms may aggravate when one stands up after a long, sedentary period.
Rashes
Psoriatic arthritis involves the development of rashes that are red and scaly. The rash may occur before or after the onset of arthritis symptoms.
Fatigue
Spondyloarthritis involves severe pain, discomfort, inflammation, and sleep issues, which may cause one to experience chronic fatigue.
Types of spondyloarthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis involves inflammation of the spine and the sacroiliac joint, or the joint connecting the spine and pelvis. Patients with this condition experience chronic pain and stiffness in the lower back and hips, together with mobility issues and fatigue. Sometimes, one may also have difficulty breathing if the condition affects the ribs.
Axial spondyloarthritis
This condition is the most common type of spondyloarthritis and typically affects one’s axial skeleton, consisting of the chest, spine, and pelvis. Individuals with axial spondyloarthritis develop back pain before the age of 45 and may sometimes even experience these symptoms during their teenage years and youth.
Enteropathic spondyloarthritis
Enteropathic spondyloarthritis causes joint inflammation in the arms, legs, and, sometimes, the spine. Some individuals with this condition may also grapple with digestive issues.
Psoriatic arthritis
This type of spondyloarthritis is associated with psoriasis and arthritis and is characterized by red, scaly rashes and thick fingernails. Although the condition resembles rheumatoid arthritis, it affects fewer joints and involves psoriasis symptoms.
Reactive arthritis
This type of arthritis usually develops following a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection and is classified as a combination of urethritis, arthritis, and conjunctivitis.
Remedies and management tips
Besides following the prescribed treatment course systematically, one should make certain lifestyle changes, follow some remedies, and do’s and don’ts to manage spondyloarthritis symptoms better:
Exercise therapy
Exercise therapy involves certain specific exercises to control the symptoms of spondyloarthritis. Usually, four main types of exercises are included – range of motion or stretching, strengthening, balancing, and aerobic or cardiovascular exercises. These exercises can help relieve pain and discomfort and increase one’s mobility eventually.
Avoid a sedentary lifestyle
Sitting for long periods can increase joint stiffness and aggravate mobility issues. Thus, patients with spondyloarthritis should walk about, stretch, etc., at regular intervals.
Have foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids can help control symptoms among those with rheumatoid diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Omega-3 fatty acids increase muscle activity and promote cell development. Fatty fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and herring are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Avoid processed foods
Processed foods contain high levels of saturated fats, sodium, and sugar, which increase one’s risk of cholesterol, diabetes, and heart conditions. These diseases can aggravate spondyloarthritis symptoms. Therefore, one must avoid processed foods and replace them with nutrient-rich foods rich in healthy carbs, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.
Stay hydrated
It has been found that the body requires adequate water content for the cartilage to retain its sponginess. Thus, individuals with spondyloarthritis should have plenty of water to manage their symptoms.