CreakyJoints reports certain types of arthritis are prone to enthesitis, or pain where the tendons and ligaments meet the bone, and ways to manage the pain, according to experts.

CreakyJoints spoke to Theodore R. Fields, MD, FACP, rheumatologist at HSS, who explained why the enthesis is susceptible this issue, the types of arthritis that can cause enthesitis, treatment and home remedies.

Dr. Fields explained, “The enthesis has a lot of blood flow and [thus] is subject to both infection and inflammation.” He mentioned there are two common entheses where enthesitis often occurs. “Two of the most common entheses are the area where the Achilles’ tendon inserts on the back of the heel, which causes Achilles’ tendonitis, and where the sheet of connective tissue, or fascia, inserts on the bottom of the heel, which causes plantar fasciitis.” Additionally, about half of people with psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis have enthesitis, said Dr. Fields. “In both psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, the back and under portions of the heel are common sites of enthesitis,” he cited.

Dr. Fields underscored the importance of taking the affected area(s) into account when deciding on a treatment regimen. “In patients where enthesitis is the major issue, and more severe than the arthritis, we may skip the non-biologic agents and go directly to biologic therapies, since they tend to be more effective for enthesitis.” Additionally, local injection of corticosteroids can be used in enthesitis at times, however this needs to be used carefully to avoid weakening of the surrounding tendons and ligaments, advised Dr. Fields.

Dr. Fields concluded a physical therapist can provide you with gentle stretches to do at home to relieve the pain. Furthermore, he suggested maintaining a healthy weight to take the pressure off of involved areas, and wearing special shoes.

Read the full article at CreakyJoints.org.