Reactive Arthritis: Understanding The Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment

What Is Reactive Arthritis? Understanding Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment from creakyjoints.org

What is Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is a type of arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection in another part of the body. It typically affects the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. This condition is also known as Reiter's Syndrome and can occur in anyone, regardless of age or sex.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of reactive arthritis can vary from person to person, but the most common ones include joint pain, stiffness, and swelling. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, and eye inflammation. In some cases, the symptoms may disappear on their own, while others may persist for a longer period of time.

What are the Causes?

Reactive arthritis is caused by an infection in another part of the body, typically the urinary tract or the digestive system. The infection triggers an immune system response that leads to joint inflammation. Some of the most common infections that can cause reactive arthritis include Chlamydia, Salmonella, Shigella, and Yersinia.

Who is at Risk?

Anyone can develop reactive arthritis, but certain factors may increase the risk. These include a family history of arthritis, a history of sexually transmitted infections, and a weakened immune system. Men are also more likely to develop reactive arthritis than women.

How is it Diagnosed?

To diagnose reactive arthritis, your doctor will perform a physical exam and review your medical history. They may also order blood tests, imaging tests, and joint fluid analysis to rule out other conditions. If an infection is suspected, your doctor may also order a culture test to identify the bacteria causing the infection.

What is the Treatment?

Treatment for reactive arthritis typically focuses on relieving symptoms and treating the underlying infection. This may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation, antibiotics to treat the infection, and physical therapy to improve joint mobility. In some cases, corticosteroid injections or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may also be prescribed.

Can Reactive Arthritis be Prevented?

There is no surefire way to prevent reactive arthritis, but there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. These include practicing safe sex, washing your hands regularly, and avoiding food and water that may be contaminated with bacteria.

Conclusion

Reactive arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition, but with the right treatment, most people are able to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. If you are experiencing joint pain or other symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor right away to get an accurate diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.

Source: www.rheumatologynetwork.com

Source: creakyjoints.org