All About Reactive Arthritis
What is reactive arthritis?
This term defines a condition in which inflammation occurs variously in joints, mucus membranes, eyes, the urethra and skin. This disorder can be an annoyance for a few weeks, or it can become a chronic condition.
What causes reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is caused by infection. The infection can originate from Yersinia, Campylobacter, Salmonella or Chlamydia. However, not everyone who becomes infected with one of these bacteria experiences reactive arthritis. It is thought that certain people carry a genetic predisposition which causes them to be especially susceptible to this disorder.
How do you prevent reactive arthritis?
Practicing cleanliness and good personal hygiene in order to prevent infection are primary in prevention of this debilitating disorder. Make sure food is stored safely, and that you carefully wash your hands and food preparation surfaces before cooking. Practice safe sex through use of condoms.
What are the symptoms of reactive arthritis?
Many varied symptoms can occur in reactive arthritis. They may include indications in skin and eyes, such as skin lesions, eye pain, redness, and/or discharge, and tiny ulcers in the mouth or on the tongue.
The individual may experience pain in hip, knee, or ankle joints, low back pain, or pain in the heel or Achilles tendon.
In reactive arthritis, there can also be urinary tract symptoms such as burning during urination, discharge, genital lesions, incontinence or urinary urgency.
A diagnosis of reactive arthritis is made through joint x-rays, an antigen test and urinalysis.
Rarely, cardiac arrhythmias, uveitis, and aortic malfunction can result, and infection of the eye can cause glaucoma.
How is reactive arthritis treated?
If infection is present, the patient will be given antibiotics. Physical therapy is often prescribed to aid in joint mobility and keep the individual functional. Patients may be given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and pain medication. If an inflammation is persistent, corticosteroid injections into the affected joints may be given.
If you suspect infection, or have had a recent infection and are now experiencing any of the symptoms of reactive arthritis, it is important to see your medical professional for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. If this condition worsens and becomes too severe, immunosuppression therapy may become required.
Sources:
Signet/Mosby Medical Encyclopedia
National Institute of Health
Mayo Clinic
Published by Susan Hamlin
Freelance writer living in Paradise, California. Interested in the arts, conditions of the spine & chronic pain issues. I love to thrift shop, visit art shows & galleries, outdoor music festivals. Play guita... View profile
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