Childhood ankylosing spondylitis may be more common than thought of and may remain undetected because of this, says a new study in US.
Ankylosing spondylitis or arthritis of the spine is a disease that may affect young children. Children who suffer from pain in their joints and stiffness for a long time must be medically examined for spinal arthritis as timely medical intervention may lead to significant relief from the condition for the children. Some symptoms of childhood setting of this condition are pain around knees, ankles and feet; pain and stiffness in the morning or during periods of being stationary; inflammations at the joints etc.Researchers from the University of Toronto had looked into the data submitted by over 2000 patients suffering from ankylosing spondylitis. The results of the study show that late diagnosis along with childhood onset of the disease can cause physical deformities, and physical incompetence at work.
Researchers say that adults who had the symptoms of the disease since childhood are more severely affected with the condition that can significantly reduce their quality of life.
