Does Ankylosing Spondylitis Slow Down Recovery from Injuries? - Internal Medicine

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Does ankylosing spondylitis cause swelling from injuries to subside more slowly?


Hello Doctor: Last year, I had a minor motorcycle accident and developed a lump on my calf.
I applied ice and then heat to the area.
A classmate who was riding with me also sustained an injury, but his lump was larger than mine, and he did not use ice or heat.
However, his swelling subsided in two weeks, while mine took six weeks to resolve, which is longer than the recovery period the doctor mentioned.
Recently, I had my wisdom teeth removed, and the swelling in my face is significantly worse than average.
While most people recover in 1-3 weeks, I am approaching seven weeks and still have not fully recovered.
I would like to ask: Does ankylosing spondylitis cause swelling from injuries or surgeries to resolve more slowly? (Note: If so, I would like to be mentally prepared.) Thank you for your assistance, Doctor.

Wei Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/04/10

Dr. Gao Jiankai reply Internal Medicine


Hello, thank you for your question.
I don't think that would be the case, especially regarding your wisdom teeth.
Have they not healed for 7 months or 7 weeks? Seven months is quite a long time, and I would recommend seeing a dentist for an evaluation, or even consulting an infectious disease specialist would be better.
Ankylosing spondylitis itself would not cause this.
The Allergy, Immunology, and Rheumatology Department at Changhua Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, is concerned about you.

Reply Date: 2024/04/10

More Info


Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine and the sacroiliac joints in the pelvis. It can lead to chronic pain and stiffness, and in some cases, it may also affect other joints and organs. When considering the question of whether AS can slow down recovery from injuries or surgical procedures, it is essential to understand the underlying mechanisms of the disease and its impact on the body’s healing processes.

Firstly, AS is characterized by systemic inflammation. This inflammation can affect the body's ability to heal from injuries. In general, inflammation is a natural response to injury, and it plays a crucial role in the healing process. However, in individuals with AS, the inflammatory response may be exaggerated or prolonged due to the underlying disease. This could potentially lead to slower recovery times from injuries or surgeries, as the body may take longer to resolve inflammation and repair damaged tissues.

In your specific case, the prolonged swelling and recovery time after your leg injury and wisdom tooth extraction could be influenced by several factors. While AS itself may not directly cause slower recovery, the chronic inflammation associated with the condition could contribute to a more prolonged healing process. Additionally, other factors such as age, overall health, nutritional status, and the presence of other comorbidities can also play significant roles in recovery times.

It is also worth noting that the treatment you received, such as ice and heat application, is generally beneficial for managing swelling and pain. However, individual responses to treatment can vary widely. Your classmate's quicker recovery could be attributed to various factors, including differences in the severity of the injury, individual healing capacity, and possibly even differences in activity levels during recovery.

Regarding your wisdom tooth extraction, the significant swelling you experienced could be due to several reasons, including the complexity of the extraction, the presence of infection, or your body's inflammatory response. If you have not fully recovered after seven months, it is advisable to consult with your dentist or an oral surgeon to rule out any complications, such as infection or dry socket, which could impede healing.

In summary, while Ankylosing Spondylitis may not directly cause slower recovery from injuries, the chronic inflammation associated with the condition can potentially contribute to prolonged healing times. It is crucial to maintain open communication with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and recovery progress. They can help tailor a management plan that addresses your specific needs and may include physical therapy, medications to manage inflammation, and other supportive measures to enhance your recovery. If you have concerns about your recovery, do not hesitate to seek further evaluation and treatment options.

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