3. Unexplained Heel, Joint, or Chest Pain
While many people will experience pain that is located in the lower back or hip area when they are suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, there are some people who first experience pain in their heels. They may also experience stiffness or pain in the ankles, wrists, or other joints.
There are some patients who have their rib bones affected at the point where the ribs meet the spine. This may cause the person to feel a tightness in the chest. This tightness can make it more difficult to breathe.
If you are young and experiencing pain in the heels, joints, or if you are having unexplained chest pain, it is important to discuss these symptoms with your doctor right away, especially if the symptoms persist for long periods of time. A proper diagnosis will determine the underlying cause of these symptoms so that proper treatment can be started.