Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body), and skin. It can cause sudden and severe symptoms or develop more gradually, with periods of remission and recurrence. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with reactive arthritis, it's essential to understand the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available.
The exact cause of reactive arthritis is unknown, but researchers believe that a combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role. About 75% of people with reactive arthritis have a positive blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27. In many cases, the condition develops following an infection, such as:
Chlamydia trachomatis or Ureaplasma urealyticum (sexually transmitted infections)
Shigella, Salmonella, Yersinia, or Campylobacter bacteria (intestinal infections)
While there is no known way to prevent reactive arthritis, practicing safe sex and maintaining good hygiene can help reduce your risk of developing the condition.
The symptoms of reactive arthritis can vary from person to person and may not appear at the same time. Some common symptoms include:
Painful urination and discharge from the penis (if the urethra is inflamed)
Diarrhea (if the intestines are affected)
Joint pain and swelling, typically in the fingers, toes, ankles, hips, and knees
Mouth ulcers
Eye inflammation
Scaly skin patches (keratoderma blennorrhagica) on the palms, soles, trunk, or scalp
Back pain from sacroiliac (SI) joint involvement
Pain from inflammation of the ligaments and tendons (enthesitis)
Diagnosing reactive arthritis can be challenging because symptoms may occur weeks apart. A doctor may diagnose the condition when a patient's arthritis occurs together with or shortly after inflammation of the eye and urinary tract, lasting for a month or longer. While there is no specific test for reactive arthritis, doctors may perform the following:
Check urethral discharge for sexually transmitted infections
Test stool samples for signs of infection
Conduct blood tests to check for the HLA-B27 genetic marker, elevated white blood cell count, and increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Take X-rays of the joints, back, and pelvis to assess for abnormalities or damage
Treatment for reactive arthritis depends on the specific symptoms and their severity. Some common treatment options include:
Antibiotics to treat bacterial infections like chlamydia
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce joint inflammation
Steroids to treat skin eruptions and eye inflammation
Methotrexate or other medications for chronic cases
Physical therapy and regular exercise to maintain joint mobility and strength
The outlook for people with reactive arthritis varies. While most people recover within three to four months, about half experience recurrences over several years. Some may develop complications, such as heart muscle inflammation, spine stiffening, glaucoma, progressive blindness, foot abnormalities, or fluid accumulation in the lungs. Working closely with your healthcare team and following your treatment plan can help manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
For more information on reactive arthritis, visit:
Family medicine practices across the country are undergoing a transformation by adopting a team-based model of care called a patient-centered medical home (PCMH). This [...]
As men age, it's common for the prostate gland to grow larger. This condition, known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), can lead to various urinary symptoms. While [...]
Croup is a common respiratory illness that affects babies and young children, causing swelling in the upper airways and making it difficult for them to breathe. If your child [...]