Reactive arthritis

Description Reactive arthritis is a condition that is triggered by infection occurring in the body – most often the intestines, genitals or urinary tract. Sore and swollen joints are characteristic of reactive arthritis. Reactive arthritis can also cause inflammation in the eyes, skin and the tubes that carry urine from the bladder (urethra). Reactive arthritis is also sometimes called Reiter’s syndrome, although this term more accurately refers to the subtypes of reactive arthritis that primarily affects the joints, eyes and urethra. Reactive arthritis occurs in approximately 30 people from 100,000. For most people, the signs and symptoms of reactive arthritis come and go, eventually disappearing within 12 months. The signs and symptoms of reactive arthritis usually begin one to three weeks after infection the trigger. Symptom Muscle * Sore joints, usually in the knees, ankles and feet * Heel pain The pain and swelling * on the back of the ankle * Swelling toes or fingers, looking like a sausage * Pain in your back or buttocks Reproductive and urinary tract * Pain or burning when urinating * Increased frequency of urination * Inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis) * Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis) Eyes and Skin * Inflammation of the eyes (conjunctivitis) * Skin rash Treatment The goal of treatment is to manage the symptoms and treat the underlying bacterial infection that may still be present. Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to eliminate bacterial infections that trigger reactive arthritis if it is still detectable in the body. Antibiotics are used depending on the infecting bacteria.