Spondyloarthropathies is a general term that is used to describe a set of systematic inflammatory disorders of the skeleton. Such as  Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Athritis and Reactive Arthritis also known as Reiter's syndrome. This is because all of the above three disorders tend to occur on the peripheral at the point of attachment (tendons, ligaments and joint capsules).

 

Spondyloarthropathies Risks Factors

Some of the few risks factors that are associated with Spondyloarthropathies are;

 

Types of Spondyloarthropathies

There are 3 different types of Spondyloarthropathies

 

Reactive Arthritis  Symptoms (Reiter's Syndrome)

Reactive Arthritis is an inflammation of the joint (arthritis) that occurs after an infection. The disease is characterized by painful joints (arthritis), urethritis (inflammation of urethra), conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye  conjunctiva ), dermatitis, penis and mouth ulcers and lower back pain.

 

Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms

Psoriatic Arthritis is a form of arthritis that is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membranes, inflammation of more than 5 joints at a particular time and spondylitis. Both athritis and psoriasis are very common.  It is believed up to 7%-42% of patients with psoriasis, later develop athritis compared to 2.6% - 7% of patients with arthritis, who develop psoriasis.

 

Ankylosing Spondylitis Symptoms

Ankylosing Spondylitis is an inflammation disorder that affects the joints cartilage of the spine and the sorrounding tissues. In rare occassions, other large synovial joints such as hips, knees or shoulders may also be involved.

 

The disease is common with male gender and it is commonly diagnosed between the ages of 10 -29 years (first to second decade of life). The most common sign of Ankylosing Spondylitis is the back pain and a feeling of stiffness after a period of inactivity or early in the morning. As the disease progresses, the entire spine may become affected leading to disability.

 

Spondyloarthropathies Treatment

There is no cure for Spondyloarthropathies and medical management is geared towards relieving pain and maintaining stabiliy by suppressing the inflammation process. Corticosteroids and non steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are usually given to relieve pain and symptoms. Surgical intervention may involves a total hip replacement surgery.

 

Other non pharmaceutical way to manage the conditions is by;