Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is another form of inflammatory arthritis. It starts by affecting the joints of the lower back. They become stiff. The words mean stiffening and inflammation of the spine and if untreated the bones may become fused and lose movement. At first there will be pain and stiffness in the lower back, but this usually goes away. It may reappear further up the back and could come and go over a number of years. It may stop completely but restriction of spine and chest movements will persist. The eyes can be affected and bloodshot; this is called iritis and requires immediate treatment. Diagnose of AS is important as a lot can be done to minimise its effects.
Fibromyalgia is a common disorder causing lots of pain, aching and stiffness in muscles, ligaments and tendons, but not joints. It might only affect one part of the body or several different parts such as limbs, neck and back. Sufferers usually ache all over. Symptoms include; fatigues, aching, sleep disorders, headaches, lack of concentration and may develop depression as a result. There is no simple cure but most people find ways of managing the symptoms. Doctors prescribe various things to help with the pain; paracetamol, (NSAIDs) and sometimes steroid injections. The other symptoms can also be treated, and research has shown that exercises like swimming and weight loss can improve the condition.
Gout is a condition where crystals of uric acid build up in the joints, and cause them to become very painful. It commonly attacks joints such as; the big toe, ankles, knees, hands, wrists and elbows. Anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain, but do not use aspirin which will increase uric acid levels and make the condition worse. Fortunately gout responds well to treatment and getting plenty of exercise combined with cutting out alcohol and red meat usually works. There are some people who will need to be treated with drugs to lower the uric acid levels in their blood. What you need to do will depend on what your doctor decides after tests.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition affecting muscles around the shoulder, upper arm, buttocks and thighs. Its cause is unknown. It usually starts suddenly. The stiffness will ease as the day progresses but returns by evening. Only the muscles are involved, and there is often a loss of weight and appetite. PMR responds, usually within 24 to 48 hours, to treatment with oral steroids the dose is then slowly reduced and most people require treatment for 1 to 3 years.
