The spondyloarthropathies are a group of disorders that affect 0.5-1% of Americans. They are found equally in men and women and typically cause pain and stiffness involving the hands, feet, knees as well the lower back. There are 5 major subtypes of these conditions.
Subtypes:
Psoriatic Arthritis
Inflammatory Bowel Disease related
Reactive Arthritis
Ankylosing spondylitis
Undifferentiated
The most well known of these is psoriatic arthritis which is associated with the skin condition psoriasis. 25-30% of patients with psoriasis can go on to develop this type of arthritis. This type of arthritis can also cause joint damage and disability if left untreated.
Common symptoms:
Low back pain and stiffness
Fatigue
Joint swelling and stiffness
Pain in the heel/bottom of the feet
Tendinitis
Psoriasis
Inflammation of the eye causing uveitis/iritis
Treatment:
Control of inflammation with NSAIDs and prednisone
Injectable medications such as Enbrel, Humira and Cimzia
Topical steroid creams in the case of psoriatic arthritis
Careful monitoring of x-rays to prevent worsening joint damage
