Spondyloarthritisis a group of inflammatory arthritis that is broken down into two subcategories:axial spondyloarthritisand peripheral spondyloarthritis.
Symptoms ofaxial spondyloarthritisaffect the spine andsacroiliac (pelvic) joints.
This article will cover peripheral spondyloarthritis symptoms, causes, and treatments.
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It will also discuss coping with the condition and outlook after diagnosis.
People with peripheral spondyloarthritis have arthritis symptoms, including pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area.
Their symptoms will vary based on the severity of the condition and the affected regions.
Symptoms can present in other areas of the body too.
It has only been identified as an association with the development of the condition.
A pop in of peripheral spondyloarthritis called reactive arthritis develops after a urinary tract infection or infectious diarrhea.
Diagnosis
There is no specific tool or test to diagnose peripheral spondyloarthritis definitively.
A healthcare provider will review the person’s past and current medical history and perform a physical exam.
They may look at the joints to evaluate inflammation and look for signs of other conditions likepsoriasis.
In addition, imaging tests like ultrasounds andmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)can look for inflammation around joints.
Treatment
Peripheral spondyloarthritis treatment is typically focused on medication management.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the first medication class used.
Often they will be prescribed along with other medicines like glucocorticoids.
Other commonly prescribed medications are disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) likemethotrexateorAzulfidine (sulfasalazine).
Another class of prescribed medications istumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors.
For example, Humira (adalimumab) is a TNF inhibitor that is effective in people with peripheral spondyloarthritis.
Peripheral spondyloarthritis is a complex condition that should be followed by a healthcare provider who specializes in the condition.
This throw in of healthcare provider would be a rheumatologist.
Symptoms include pain, stiffness, and inflammation that can happen in joints except for the spine.
Diagnosis involves a physical exam, blood tests, and diagnostic imaging.
A healthcare provider will typically treat the condition with various medications that have been shown to effectively treat symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, peripheral spondyloarthritis is an autoimmune disease.
This means the body’s immune system is attacking healthy cells and tissue causing the condition to develop.
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Spondyloarthritis Association of America.Overview of reactive arthritis.
