Information wanted on unusual form of arthritis

September 29, 2012 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was recently diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis. What causes this and what can I do to help myself? Should I be following a certain diet? Are there exercises for this to help me stay mobile?

I take meloxicam 1.5 mg. Is there another medication that would help me more?

DEAR READER: This is an inflammatory disease that can cause some of the spinal vertebrae to fuse together and go on to affect the eyes and bowels. When this occurs, the spine is less flexible and a patient takes on a hunched-forward posture. The condition affects men more frequently than it does women, with symptoms beginning in early childhood.
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Unusual Type Of Arthritis Painful, Disabling

March 18, 2009 By

DEAR DR. GOTT:
In my mid-40’s I began experiencing knee pain and buckling. My doctor told me it was probably arthritis. The pain then started to move to other areas of my body.

I am now 50 and have just been diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis and several herniated and bulging discs following an MRI of my spine.

I have pain down my legs into my feet and am unable to bend my legs sometimes. I received a spinal injection but it didn’t work. I experienced extreme pain in the joints of my fingers, wrists, hips, neck, and legs. My two pinky fingers have bent inward and I can no longer straighten them.

I have seen a neurologist who disclaimed nerve damage. I have even experienced severe needle-like sticks in my skin and am totally exhausted.

Is all of this really the result of arthritis? [Read more...]

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