There are two types of arthritis that cause pain and stiffness. DISH and AS have different symptoms that make them distinct from one another.

DISH, which is also sometimes called Forestier’s disease, occurs when ligaments and tendons harden and form painful bone spurs. Typically, DISH affects the spine, but it can also cause bone spurs in the hips, shoulders, feet, hands, knees, and other parts of the body.

AS causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine. In some cases, this inflammation can trigger new bone formation, which results in sections of the spine being fused together. AS can also affect the shoulders, ribs, hips, hands, feet, heels, and other areas of the body.

The good news is that certain lifestyle measures and treatments can help people with both DISH and AS find relief, increase their mobility, and improve their quality of life.

We compare causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for two conditions in this article.

DISH and AS have similar symptoms, but they also have differences.

Differences

There are differences between the two conditions.

DISH AS
Symptoms may cause numbness, tingling, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or paralysis if nerves or the spinal cord become compressed can cause weight loss,fatigue, skinThere is a rash.,stomach ache, trouble breathing, orbowel movements that are loose
Age of onset usually develops in people over age 50 symptoms generally occur before the age of 45
Cause researchers have identified some risk factors for DISH certain gene mutations and a family history are more strongly linked to AS
Other medical conditions the risk of developing DISH is higher if you have diabetes or obesity the likelihood of having AS increases if you have certain gastrointestinal diseases or psoriasis
Blood tests there’s no screening or diagnostic blood test for DISH a blood test to look for gene variations can help determine a person’s risk for AS
Complications may lead to sleep apnea or difficulty swallowing could present heart issues, osteoporosis, and uveitis

Similarities

Similarities between AS and DISH are listed.

  • Pain and spurring are some of the symptoms.
  • Being male is a risk factor.
  • “Researchers don’t know what causes the two conditions.”
  • There is no cure for DISH or AS.
  • Both conditions can be treated with physical therapy, pain relief, and steroid injections.
  • Diagnostic tests are used to help diagnose.
  • A person is more likely to break a bone with both conditions.

Pain and snot are hallmarks of both DISH and AS, but they can also prompt other issues.

Symptoms of DISH

Often, people with DISH don’t have any symptoms. When issues do occur, they may include:

  • It can be in the neck or upper back.
  • The back has a limited range of motion.
  • If the nerves in the neck become compressed, swallowing or hoarseness can be a problem.
  • If nerves in the lower back are compressed, there can be a sensation of weakness in the legs.
  • If the spine is compressed, there is a risk of paralysis.

Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Lower back and hip pain or stiffness are the most common problems associated with AS. Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people experience issues that come and go, while others deal with chronic, daily pain.

A person’s AS symptoms may worsen when they have a “flare” (a period of increased disease activity).

Other symptoms of AS may include:

  • There are pains in the ribs, neck, knees, feet, and shoulders.
  • If the ribs are affected, it can cause trouble breathing.
  • There are problems with the eye.
  • fatigue
  • Losing weight or appetite is a problem.
  • There is a rash.
  • stomach ache
  • bowel movements that are loose

Researchers don’t know the exact cause of either DISH or AS, but they’ve identified certain risk factors that may increase a person’s chances of developing these conditions.

Risk factors for DISH

You may be more prone to DISH if you:

  • Are you a male?
  • They are older than 50.
  • The isotretinoin is used for the treatment of the skin condition, acne.
  • Have a condition that causes increased levels of the hormone.
  • The Pima are a group of Native Americans that live in Arizona.
  • Have a spine that is abnormal.
  • frequently move or lift heavy objects (this risk is controversial)

Risk factors for ankylosing spondylitis (AS)

Research suggests that both genes and the environment likely play a role in the development of AS. Having certain genetic changes, or mutations, increases the risk of AS in some, but not all, people.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), approximately 9 out of 10 people with AS carry the HLA-B27 gene. However, the NIH estimates that only 8 out of 100 people who have the HLA-B27 gene will develop AS.

It’s also possible for children to inherit AS from a parent. A parent with AS who carries the HLA-B27 gene could pass this gene on to their children. The NIH estimates that 5% to 20% of children with the HLA-B27 gene will develop AS.

Other risk factors for AS include:

It is difficult for doctors to identify DISH and AS. The process can involve performing different tests and using certain methods.

Diagnosing DISH Diagnosing AS
Doctors may perform imaging tests, such as computed tomography (CT) scans or X-rays, to look for bony growths. There isn’t one, conclusive test to help diagnose AS, doctors may recommend imaging tests, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-rays.
Other tests can also help rule out conditions that may trigger similar symptoms. Blood tests to look for the HLA-B27 gene can also be used to help diagnose AS.

Treatments can help alleviate symptoms and stop them from worsening, but there is no cure for DISH or AS.

DISH treatment AS treatment
pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
corticosteroid injections disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
exercise and physical therapy to help improve range of motion and stiffness biologics, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors and interleukin inhibitors (IL-17)
heat therapy steroid injections
programs to help people manage weight and blood sugar levels exercise or physical therapy
orthotics to aid walking surgery, such as joint replacement procedures or kyphoplasty to correct a curved spine
surgery (if bone spurs compress the spinal cord or affect a person’s ability to swallow)

There are certain issues that can occur with both DISH and AS.

DISH complications AS complications
greater risk for bone breaks spinal fractures
loss of mobility fused vertebrae
chronic pain inflammation of the eye (uveitis)
sleep apnea (a condition characterized by interrupted episodes of breathing during sleep) kyphosis (a forward curvature of the spine)
difficulty swallowing osteoporosis
difficulty breathing heart problems
jaw inflammation
nerve scarring and inflammation
chest pain that could affect breathing

“DISH and AS are different forms of arthritis that can affect a person’s life.”

There are differences between the two conditions, but pain and skeletal symptoms are common. AS causes inflammation in the joints and ligaments of the spine, while DISH is characterized by painful bone spurs.

Treatments can help you feel better and live a full life, even though there is no cure for DISH or AS.