Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (also known as Forestier's Disease) is a type of degenerative arthritis that usually affects the vertebrae of the spine (but sometimes other portions of the body such as heels, elbows, or knees). The disease causes the ligaments that connect to the spine to harden or calcify, and is generally labeled as a progressive condition, which means it can get worse and cause serious complications. There aren’t specific causes for developing the condition, but doctors know that there are some risk factors that are linked to it, such as individuals living with diabetes or obesity, as well as people who are taking specific medications on a long-term basis.
