What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that can develop after certain infections, most often in the digestive tract, respiratory or urinary tract. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It also may affect other areas of the body, such as the eyes, skin, and urinary tract.
Symptoms usually appear several days or weeks after the infection. In some people, the immune system continues to react after the infection has passed. This can lead to inflammation in the joints and other tissues.
Reactive arthritis most often affects the hands, knees, ankles and feet. It also can affect the eyes, skin and urinary tract. It can also cause inflammatory back pain. Symptoms may be temporary, but some people have symptoms that return or last longer.
What are the symptoms of reactive arthritis?
The symptoms of reactive arthritis can vary from person to person. They may range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms may include:
- Joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling in the knees, ankles, or feet
- Lower back pain
- Heel pain caused by inflammation where tendons attach to bone
- Swollen fingers or toes (dactylitis)
- Eye redness or inflammation
- Blurred vision
- Pain or burning during urination
- Increased urinary frequency
- Skin rashes
- Mouth ulcers
- Fatigue
Symptoms often develop within 1 to 4 weeks after the infection that triggers the condition. An accurate reactive arthritis diagnosis starts with a detailed clinical assessment. There is no single test that confirms reactive arthritis.
How do we diagnose reactive arthritis?
Dr Nuttall may review:
- Your symptoms
- Recent infections
- Medical history
- Your family history
- Findings from a physical examination
Diagnostic tests may include:
- Blood tests to assess inflammation
- Tests for previous or current infections
- HLA-B27 genetic testing, when appropriate
- Joint fluid analysis to help rule out other causes of arthritis
- X-rays
- Ultrasound imaging
- MRI scans, when indicated
Because reactive arthritis can share symptoms with other inflammatory joint diseases, careful evaluation is important. Dr Nuttall will use your symptoms, test results, and imaging findings to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Reactive arthritis treatment:
Reactive arthritis treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, whether an infection is still present, and how much inflammation you have.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Pain management strategies
- Antibiotics if an active infection is found
- Corticosteroid injections for affected joints
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Medicines that help control inflammation if symptoms are ongoing or more severe including DMARDs (Methotrexate, Sulfasalazine), or Biologic agents (eg. Adalimumab).
Dr Nuttall will tailor treatment to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health.
