Yes unfortunately it can affect the hands. I have AS axial and peripheral, including my hands. Both my hands swell and hurt and it’s difficult to open things a lot of times.

My right hand is bad! Left hand not as bad!

Hands and feet and weak knees were my start. I had an elevated Rh factor with no CRP so they wouldn’t diagnose me. Have a routine check of Rh factor you don’t to have C reactive protein . To have RA.

pain and swelling in my hands and arms were my first symptoms.

There is Spondyloarthritis with peripherals, still a part of AS I guess? Maybe a "sub-type? I don't fully understand, but it would include hands and feet. I have to research more myself, but under RESOURCES in this group files, it is mentioned