caret icon Back to all discussions

What symptoms of AS do you experience?

Chronic, long-term back pain is one of the most commonly reported health problems in the United States. Not surprisingly, back pain is also the most reported symptom by people living with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Other symptoms may also occur with axSpA, such as uveitis, fatigue, psoriasis, heel, shoulder, foot, and other joint pain.

  1. Goodness, where to start. I have AS and apparently it will be a life-partner till my last days. In the past few months, I have had a knot on my right thigh that radiates pain up and down my leg. Heat, ice, tubbing, do nothing to alleviate it. Then a few days ago, I was walking though the house. I stopped to make a turn to the laundry room and the strangest thing happened. As I went to turn down the hallway, my right foot turned toward the right, but my knee, in an act of revolt, turned to the left!


    Yes, it hurt but what caused that? I put ice on the knee off and on for several days and elevated that leg. Today, my doctor did a planned MRI. I'm hoping that shows the cause of the problem, though I strongly suspect this may be yet another sign of AS, the gift that keeps on giving. <span style="font-size: 1rem;">Has anyone here also experienced a &quot;twist&quot; like that? </span>

    1. Hi ,


      Oh!!! That sounds so painful. Hope it heels and you get some relief soon.


      Sending you warm hugs,


      Nicky (Team Member)

    2. thank you so much. AS is just full of surprises.

  2. Back, Sciatica, Brain fog, eyes, neck, bulging disc, fingers, knees, heels, hips and shoulders.

    1. Thanks for sharing your symptoms - these are definitely some classic signs of AS. How are you managing through them? Have you been put on a treatment plan to lower the pain and destruction of this disease? Sending thoughts of healing - Rebecca (community moderator)

  3. Pain and stiffness in joints

    1. So sorry to hear you are having pain and stiffness related to this chronic illness. I really can relate. Have you spoken with your treating physician about a regimen that may help this? Or discussed the level of pain you are experiencing? Am wondering if you considered biological medications. Therapeutic treatment can also help relieve some of the persistent pain. Here are a few links to informative articles on our site. https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/treatment https://axialspondyloarthritis.net/treatment/biologics-biosimilars

      Wishing you better relief and brighter days ahead. Warmly - Rebecca (community moderator)

    2. I am sorry you experience these symptoms. I get this as well. Have you found anything that helps you get some relief ?


      Wishing you well,


      Nicky (Team Member)

  4. I have found great and continuing relief from warm water exercise. Find a GENTLE class thru local fitness or arthritis class if available in your area. 2x a week makes an amazing difference.

    1. ,
      That is awesome!
      We're so glad warm water exercises are making a difference for you.
      Thanks so much for sharing.
      ~Doreen (Team Member)

    2. wow thank you for sharing with us. It’s amazing when find what help find relief. I would have to agree on water exercises. It helps me also so much. In the morning, waking up with so much pain and stiffness it’s what helps me once in the shower.


      I will have to look into my area and see for the classes you mentioned.




      Hope your doing well,


      Nicky (Team Member)

Please read our rules before posting.