Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis is joint pain and swelling triggered by an infection in another part of your body — most often your intestines, genitals or urinary tract.
Reactive arthritis usually targets your knees and the joints of your ankles and feet. Inflammation also can affect your eyes, skin and urethra.
Previously, reactive arthritis was sometimes called Reiter's syndrome, which was characterized by eye, urethra and joint inflammation.
Reactive arthritis isn't common. For most people, signs and symptoms come and go, eventually disappearing within 12 months.
Arthritis & Rheumatology
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of reactive arthritis generally start one to four weeks after exposure to a triggering infection. They might include:
Pain and stiffness- Eye inflammation
- Urinary problems
- Inflammation of soft tissue where it enters bone (enthesitis)
- Swollen toes or fingers
- Skin problems
- Low back pain
When to see a doctor
If you develop joint pain within a month of having diarrhea or a genital infection, contact your doctor.
Causes
Reactive arthritis develops in reaction to an infection in your body, often in your intestines, genitals or urinary tract. You might not be aware of the triggering infection if it causes mild symptoms or none at all.
Numerous bacteria can cause reactive arthritis. Some are transmitted sexually, and others are foodborne. The most common ones include:
- Chlamydia
- Salmonella
- Shigella
- Yersinia)
- Campylobacter
- Clostridium difficile
Reactive arthritis isn't contagious. However, the bacteria that cause it can be transmitted sexually or in contaminated food. Only a few of the people who are exposed to these bacteria develop reactive arthritis.
Risk factors
Certain factors increase your risk of reactive arthritis:
- Age
- Sex
- Hereditary factors
Prevention
Genetic factors appear to play a role in whether you're likely to develop reactive arthritis. Though you can't change your genetic makeup, you can reduce your exposure to the bacteria that may lead to reactive arthritis.
Make sure your food is stored at proper temperatures and is cooked properly to help you avoid the many foodborne bacteria that can cause reactive arthritis, including salmonella, shigella, yersinia and campylobacter. Some sexually transmitted infections can trigger reactive arthritis. Using condoms might lower your risk.
About Doctor:
Dr.KHALEELULLAH is a renowned gold medal award-winning Orthopaedician in Hyderabad. He has got extensive experience of more than 15 years and positioned himself as the best orthopedic surgeon in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He worked for nearly 8 years in the prestigious Nizams Institute of Medical Sciences(NIMS), Hyderabad where he acquired vast skills and knowledge about managing complicated orthopedic problems. He proved himself as the right Ortho Surgeon with MCH specialization with his deep interest in the area of joint reconstruction surgeries.