Spondylarthropathy, also known as spondyloarthritis, is a term used to describe a group of chronic inflammatory diseases that primarily affect the joints and the spine. It is characterized by inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the axial skeleton, which includes the spine and joints of the pelvis.
One of the main features of spondylarthropathy is enthesitis, which is inflammation at the sites where tendons or ligaments attach to bones. This can result in pain, swelling, and tenderness in areas such as the heels, knees, hips, and the bottom of the feet. Another common symptom is sacroiliitis, which is inflammation of the sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness in the lower back and buttocks.
Spondylarthropathy can also involve extra-articular manifestations, meaning it can affect organs or systems outside of the joints. This may include skin rashes, eye inflammation (uveitis), gastrointestinal problems, and fatigue.
The exact cause of spondylarthropathy is not fully understood, but it is believed to have a genetic component, as it tends to run in families. It mainly affects young adults and has a higher prevalence in males.
Diagnosis of spondylarthropathy is usually based on a combination of clinical examination, medical history, imaging tests such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and blood tests to detect certain markers of inflammation.
Treatment for spondylarthropathy typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and pain, physical therapy to improve flexibility and strengthen muscles, and in some cases, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologics to
