Information for the public

If your symptoms are mostly in your hands, feet, arms and legs (peripheral)

If your symptoms are mostly in your hands, feet, arms and legs (peripheral)

What your GP will look for

Your GP will want to know about symptoms in other parts of your body to find out if you could have peripheral spondyloarthritis. They will ask about signs and symptoms, and about your family and medical history, including:

  • pain or swelling in your joints that wasn't caused by an injury

  • back pain

  • uveitis

  • psoriasis

  • infections, such as some stomach bugs or sexually transmitted infections (STIs)

  • inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis)

  • a close relative with spondyloarthritis or psoriasis.

Will I see a specialist?

Doctors who specialise in treating arthritis and related problems are called rheumatologists. Your GP should refer you to a rheumatologist if you have pain and swelling in your joints, and your GP thinks you could have peripheral spondyloarthritis.

Problems with your eyes

If a doctor thinks that you have uveitis, you should be referred to see an eye specialist (called an ophthalmologist) straightaway. The eye specialist should see you on the same day that you are referred.

  • Information Standard