Reactive Arthritis - Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

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Reactive Arthritis - Symptoms, Causes, and
Treatment What is Reactive Arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is joint pain and swelling
triggered by an infection in another part of the
body most frequently the intestines, genitals,
or urinary tract. This condition generally
targets the knees, ankles, and feet. Inflammation
also could affect the eyes, skin, and the tube
that carries urine out of the body (urethra).
Previously, reactive arthritis was sometimes
known as Reiter's syndrome.
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• Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis
• The signs and symptoms of reactive arthritis
  generally begin one to four weeks after exposure
  to a triggering infection. They may include
• Pain and stiffness - The joint pain associated
  with reactive arthritis most commonly happen in
  the knees, ankles, and feet. Pain might also
  occur in the heels, low back, or buttocks.
• Eye inflammation - Many people who suffer from
  reactive arthritis also develop eye inflammation
  (conjunctivitis).
• Urinary problems - Increased frequency and
  discomfort during urination might occur, as can
  inflammation of the prostate gland or cervix.
• Inflammation of tendons and ligaments where they
  attach to bone (enthesitis) - This happens most
  frequently in the heels and the sole of the
  feet.
• Swollen toes or fingers - In some cases, toes or
  fingers may become so swollen that they look
  like sausages.
• Low back pain - The pain tends to get worse at
  night or in the morning.

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• Causes of Reactive Arthritis
• Reactive arthritis develops in reaction to an
  infection in your body, usually in your
  intestines, genitals, or urinary tract. You may
  not be aware of the triggering infection if it
  causes mild symptoms or none at all.
• Numerous bacteria could cause reactive arthritis.
  Some are transmitted sexually, and others are
  foodborne. The most common ones are
• Campylobacter
• Chlamydia
• Clostridioides difficile
• Escherichia coli
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Yersinia
• Reactive arthritis is not contagious. However,
  the bacteria that cause it could be transmitted
  sexually or in contaminated food. Only a few
  people who are exposed to the bacteria develop
  reactive arthritis.

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• Risk factors of Reactive Arthritis
• Specific factors increase your risk of reactive
  arthritis
• Sudden (acute) pulmonary edema symptoms
• Age - Reactive arthritis happens most frequently
  in adults between the ages of 20 and 40.
• Sex - Women and men are just as likely to develop
  reactive arthritis in response to foodborne
  infections. Although, men are more likely than
  women to develop reactive arthritis in response
  to sexually transmitted bacteria.
• Hereditary factors - A particular genetic marker
  has been linked to reactive arthritis. But the
  majority of people who have this marker never
  develop the condition.
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• If you or anyone you know is suffering from
  reactive arthritis, our expert providers at
  Specialty Care Clinics will take care of your
  health and help you recover.
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  with our specialists.