Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory disease, also known as ReA. It affects the lower limb joints, specifically causing one-sided or a few joints to swell. This includes the ankles and knees. It’s often linked to gut or sexually transmitted infections but can also come from bacteria or viruses.
Key Takeaways:
- Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory condition that primarily affects the lower limb joints.
- It is commonly associated with gastrointestinal or sexually transmitted infections but can also result from other infections.
- Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, redness, stiffness, and possible involvement of other systems like the eyes, urinary tract, skin, and mouth.
- Diagnosis relies on evaluating clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
- Treatment options include medication, physical therapy, and in severe cases, stem cell therapy.
Symptoms and Causes of Reactive Arthritis
Reactive arthritis brings several symptoms mainly affecting joints like knees and ankles. The top signs are:
- Joint pain: It causes pain in the joints from slight to strong levels.
- Swelling: Joints can swell, feeling bulky and tender.
- Redness: Affected joints become red and warm due to the immune system’s response.
- Stiffness: It makes moving or bending joints hard.
Besides joint problems, reactive arthritis can cause other issues like:
- Conjunctivitis: The eyes can get inflamed, becoming red and itchy.
- Urinary tract infection: Symptoms include frequent, painful urination and unusual urine smell.
- Skin rashes: Rashes of different kinds might come up.
- Mouth sores: Sores in the mouth make eating or talking painful.
This condition often follows a stomach or sex infection. Bacteria like Chlamydia, Salmonella, or Shigella are common triggers. If you notice these symptoms after an infection, see a doctor for the right diagnosis and treatment.
| Symptoms | Causes |
|---|---|
| Joint pain | Infection-triggered autoimmune response |
| Swelling | Immune system inflammation |
| Redness | Inflammatory processes |
| Stiffness | Joint inflammation and damage |
| Conjunctivitis | Immune response affecting the eyes |
| Urinary tract infection | Spread of infection from the initial site |
| Skin rashes | Immune system reaction |
| Mouth sores | Oral mucosal inflammation |
Diagnosis and Management of Reactive Arthritis
Diagnosing reactive arthritis is complex. It involves looking at clinical signs, lab tests, and imaging. Recent infections are key, as are symptoms like joint pain and swelling. Tests like CRP, RF, and HLA-B27 help confirm the diagnosis.
The goal in treating reactive arthritis is to ease symptoms, reduce inflammation, and avoid complications. Medications like NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) are often used. Sometimes, stronger drugs or biologics are needed for the autoimmune aspect.
To lower the chance of getting reactive arthritis, prevent and treat infections quickly. Practice safe sex, good hygiene, and safe food handling. If you get infections often, see a doctor immediately to avoid reactive arthritis.
The key to dealing with this condition is early action. Managing infections and treating them correctly are vital steps. This can help people with reactive arthritis handle their symptoms better and lead a fuller life.