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OVERVIEW

What is reactive arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is a rare condition. It occurs when your immune system reacts to an infection somewhere else in your body. It can make your joints swell and hurt, similar to arthritis. It can also affect your eyes and genitals. Reactive arthritis may be called Reiter’s syndrome or Fiessinger-Leroy’s disease.

SYMPTOMS

What are the symptoms of reactive arthritis?

The main symptoms of reactive arthritis are swelling, pain, redness, and warmth in one or more joints. It usually happens in your knees, ankles, or feet. The condition also can affect your eyes or genitals. Your eyes may burn or be red and painful. Your vision may be blurry. You may feel pain or burning when you urinate. You also may have discharge from your penis or vagina.

Other symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Pain in your heel or Achilles tendon
• Skin sores
• Ulcers in your mouth, tongue, or genitals

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

What causes reactive arthritis?

The exact cause of reactive arthritis is unknown. It begins after you have an infection that activates your immune system. Reactive arthritis has been linked to bacterial infections associated with chlamydia, salmonella, shigella, Yersinia, and campylobacter. These bacteria cause certain sexually transmitted infections and gastrointestinal infections. People who have reactive arthritis often have a specific genetic marker called HLA-B27.

Reactive arthritis is more common in people between 20 and 40 years of age. Men are more prone to develop reactive arthritis related to sexually transmitted bacteria. Women are more likely to get it from a gastrointestinal infection. The condition is rare in children but can occur in teenagers.

DIAGNOSIS & TESTS

How can my healthcare provider tell if I have reactive arthritis?

There’s isn’t a specific test for reactive arthritis. Your healthcare provider will do an exam and review your symptoms. They will ask about any recent infections.

Your healthcare provider may order X-rays to look at your joints. Lab tests, such as a urinalysis, can rule out other possible conditions. Your doctor may test you for an STI. Other tests are possible as well.

PREVENTION

Can reactive arthritis be prevented or avoided?

You can’t always avoid reactive arthritis. However, there are things you can do to lower your risk. For example, practice safe sex. Get tested and treated for STIs.

You also can reduce your chance of food poisoning by:

• Cooking meat fully
• Washing utensils and surfaces well
• Keeping food cold so it doesn’t spoil

TREATMENT

How is reactive arthritis treated?

Treatment for reactive arthritis is meant to relieve symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce swelling and pain. If joint swelling continues, your healthcare provider may recommend corticosteroid injections (shots).

If you have an infection, your healthcare provider will prescribe antibiotics. You and your sexual partner should get tested for STIs. If you are diagnosed with an STI, you may need to take medicine or undergo other treatment.

Living with reactive arthritis

Reactive arthritis often goes away along with your infection. This could take a few weeks or several months. In some cases, symptoms may return. Talk to your healthcare provider about what you can do to manage ongoing symptoms.