Top Rheumatologists Best Doctors for Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatment
Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) is a long-term inflammatory condition that mainly affects the spine, lower back, and sacroiliac joints. It requires expert diagnosis, continuous monitoring, targeted medicines, physiotherapy guidance, and long-term patient counselling. Because of this, choosing the right rheumatologist becomes extremely important.
In India, the number of trained rheumatologists is limited, but many experienced specialists practice in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, Vellore, and Kolkata. This post shares a shortlisted list of some of the Best Doctors for Ankylosing Spondylitis in India who are well known for treating Ankylosing Spondylitis based on:
- Hospital reputation
- Patient reviews across platforms
- Years of experience
- Specialization in autoimmune and inflammatory arthritis
- AS-focused treatment approach
This list helps you find the best doctor near your city or the best specialist if you want to travel for treatment.
What Makes a Good Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctor?
Before reading the list, here are the qualities that make a rheumatologist suitable for AS patients:
✔ Specialized training in rheumatology
Doctors with DM/DNB Rheumatology or Clinical Immunology manage AS more effectively.
✔ Clear diagnosis approach
They focus on X-rays, MRI spine/SI joints, HLA-B27 test, inflammatory markers, and physical exam.
✔ Updated knowledge of AS therapies
Such as:
- NSAIDs
- DMARDs
- Biologics (Anti-TNF, IL-17 inhibitors)
- JAK inhibitors
✔ Strong follow-up system
AS is lifelong, so doctors must ensure long-term guidance.
✔ Patient-friendly communication
Helps patients manage lifestyle changes, posture, diet support, and exercise.
✔ Good hospital infrastructure
AS requires imaging, blood tests, and physiotherapy support.
All doctors in this list fulfill these qualities.
Top Rheumatologists for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Below is a detailed list of trusted and highly consulted doctors across India.
1. New Delhi – Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctors
Delhi has some of India’s strongest rheumatology departments. Many AS patients from North India travel here.
1. Dr Sundeep Kumar Upadhyaya
Hospital: Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Also available on: Apollo 24×7
Why Recommended:
- Strong patient satisfaction
- Known for inflammatory arthritis and AS-focused care
- Good follow-up support
- Uses updated biologic protocols
Experience: Senior consultant in Apollo Network
2. Prof. (Dr) Rohini Handa
Hospital: Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi
Why Recommended:
- One of the most respected rheumatologists in India
- Excellent feedback from AS patients
- Helps with complex cases
- Research-focused senior doctor
Experience: Over 30 years
3. Dr Prasan Deep Rath
Hospital: Max Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi
Position: Head, Department of Rheumatology
Why Recommended:
- One of the top-rated rheumatologists in Max Healthcare
- Expert in spondyloarthritis, including Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Has a structured AS management program
4. Dr Neeraj Jain
Hospital: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Why Recommended:
- Strong rating for AS and autoimmune disease
- Clear explanation and patient-friendly approach
- Handles spinal and SI joint inflammatory conditions
5. Dr Lalit Duggal
Hospital: Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi
Why Recommended:
- Decades of experience
- Known for advanced AS treatment methods
- Senior consultant in rheumatology
6. Dr Sajal Ajmani
Hospital: Delhi Rheumatology & Pain Centres / Practo Listings
Why Recommended:
- Trusted name for AS management
- Good for patients seeking private, personalized treatment
2. Mumbai – Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctors
Mumbai has many highly reputed rheumatologists with strong patient feedback.
7. Dr Neena Singh Chitnis
Hospital: Shushrusha / S.L. Raheja / other Mumbai centres
Why Recommended:
- Popular among AS patients
- Calming communication and detailed evaluation
- Good for long-term therapy management
8. Dr Dipti (Deepti) Patel
Hospital: Wockhardt Hospitals / Private Clinic
Why Recommended:
- Updated knowledge of autoimmune disorders
- Very good patient experience
- Known for biologics-based treatment plans
9. Dr Rishabh N. Nanavati
Hospital: Reliance Foundation Hospital / Private Clinic
Why Recommended:
- Well-known for AS and spinal arthritis
- Younger specialist with modern treatment protocols
- Strong patient reviews
10. Dr Neha Arora
Hospital: Holy Family Hospital / Wockhardt
Why Recommended:
- Emerging rheumatologist with notable AS outcomes
- Gentle, detailed, and practical advice
- Good availability for follow-ups
Bengaluru – Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctors
Bengaluru is known for some of India’s best rheumatology clinics.
11. Dr Sharath Kumar
Hospital: Well-known arthritis centres (Practo listings)
Why Recommended:
- Popular among young AS patients
- Good diagnosis approach
- Easy appointment availability
12. Dr Vijay Rao K R
Hospital: Leading rheumatology centres in Bengaluru
Why Recommended:
- High patient trust
- Good handling of chronic AS cases
13. Dr Yathish G C
Hospital: Columbia Asia / Manipal Hospitals
Why Recommended:
- Treats large numbers of AS and rheumatoid arthritis patients
- Strong imaging interpretation
- Practical treatment approach
14. Dr Prashant Bafna
Hospital: Clinics and major hospital listings
Why Recommended:
- Known for detail-oriented AS evaluation
- Affordable consultation
- Good follow-up structure
15. Dr Ramya Sri Kodali
Hospital: Major rheumatology listings
Why Recommended:
- Young doctor with updated autoimmune training
- Friendly communication style
4. Chennai – Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctors
Chennai has two major strengths: Apollo Hospital & academic teaching centres.
16. Dr S. Ramakrishnan
Hospital: Apollo Hospitals / Apollo Clinics, Chennai
Why Recommended:
- Very experienced in spondyloarthritis
- Excellent patient review record
- Clear treatment plan and lifestyle guidance
Pune – Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctor
17. Dr Arvind Chopra
Hospital: Centre for Rheumatic Diseases (CRD), Pune
Why Recommended:
- One of the most senior rheumatologists in India
- Known for research-based AS management
- CRD is India’s respected rheumatology centre
- Strong patient trust
6. Kolkata – Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctors
18. Dr Amitabha Saha
Hospital: Leading Kolkata hospitals / Practo listings
Why Recommended:
- Known for inflammatory arthritis expertise
- Good communication and diagnosis approach
19. Dr Arghya Chattopadhyay
Hospital: Multiple Kolkata clinics
Why Recommended:
- Handles many AS cases
- Good patient reviews
- Updated medication protocols
20. Prof. (Dr.) Parasar Ghosh
Hospital: PG Hospital
Why Recommended:
- Experienced rheumatologists
- Good patient reviews
7. Lucknow – Best Ankylosing Spondylitis Doctor
21. Dr Anupam Wakhlu
Hospital: Apollo / Apollomedics, Lucknow
Why Recommended:
- One of the best rheumatologists in Uttar Pradesh
- Known for AS and complex autoimmune disorders
- Senior consultant with decades of practice
8. Vellore – CMC Vellore (Top Academic Centre)
CMC Vellore is one of India’s leading medical institutions. Their rheumatology department is respected nationwide.
22. Dr John Mathew
Position: Head, Rheumatology – CMC Vellore
Why Recommended:
- Highly experienced
- Manages complex AS & spondyloarthritis cases
- Excellent academic and clinical background
23. Dr Ruchika Goel
Department: Clinical Immunology & Rheumatology, CMC Vellore
Why Recommended:
- Strong academic foundation
- Trusted for detailed autoimmune assessments
- Good follow-up planning
Conclusion
Choosing the right doctor for Ankylosing Spondylitis can improve your mobility, reduce pain, and prevent future spine complications. The doctors listed above are among the most experienced and highly rated rheumatologists in India, and they treat a large number of AS patients regularly.
When selecting a doctor, consider:
✓ Distance & travel
✓ Your budget
✓ Hospital facilities
✓ Doctor’s experience in AS
✓ Long-term follow-up availability
Ankylosing Spondylitis requires early diagnosis and consistent treatment. The right rheumatologist can make a significant difference in your quality of life.

