A chronic inflammatory disease, ankylosing spondylitis affects approximately 350,000 people in the United States. While the condition most often affects the lower back, it can involve other joints as well, including the shoulders, hips, and, less often, joints in the limbs, including the ankle, elbow, knee, heel, or fingers. Examples of risk factors for ankylosing spondylitis include such things as having a family history of the disease and possessing certain genetic factors. Unfortunately, there is no cure for ankylosing spondylitis, but recent research has led to greater understanding of the disease and may eventually lead to improved treatments for the disease. At present, treating ankylosing spondylitis can involve lifestyle changes, medications, and routine monitoring and ongoing care. Surgery may also be an option for some people with the condition.