The MedlinePlus page on AS lists the following as
the main symptoms of AS:
Low back pain that is worse at night, in the morning or after inactivity;
Stiffness and limited motion in the low back;
Hip pain and stiffness;
Limited expansion of the chest;
Limited range of motion especially involving the spine and hips;
Joint pain and joint swelling in the shoulders, knees and ankles.
Many spinal fractures are never diagnosed and treated.
Other symptoms may include:
- Neck pain;
- Heel pain;
- Chronic stooping in order to relieve symptoms;
- Fatigue;
- Low grade fever;
- Loss of appetitie;
- Weight loss;
- Eye inflammation (Iritis).
The Arthritis Research Campaign lists chest pain as a further symptom.
Swelling, warmth and redness may occur in the hips, knees and ankles. Sometimes the small joints in the toes become inflamed and swollen.
