Reactive Arthritis – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Reactive arthritis involves joint inflammation that happens after an infection somewhere else in the body. The infection typically starts in the intestines, genitals, or urinary tract before affecting joints.
This condition most commonly affects the knees, ankles, and feet. People with reactive arthritis may also experience inflammation in their eyes, skin, and urethra.
Most cases of reactive arthritis are temporary. Symptoms usually come and go, and most people recover within 12 months. The condition is relatively uncommon compared to other types of arthritis.
Symptoms
Reactive arthritis usually appears within days or weeks of an infection. The main signs include joint pain and swelling, often in the knees, ankles, and feet. Many people experience pain in their heels when walking.
Eye inflammation affects some patients, causing redness, pain, and blurred vision. Urinary problems may also occur, such as burning during urination or increased frequency.
Some people develop skin symptoms like small, painless sores on the genitals or mouth. Rashes might appear on the palms of hands or soles of feet. Thick and painful fingernails or toenails can develop in some cases.
Symptoms typically last for 3-12 months, though some people experience chronic or recurring problems. Men between 20-40 years old tend to develop reactive arthritis more often than other groups.
The severity varies widely from person to person. Some individuals may have mild joint discomfort, while others might face significant pain and limited mobility that affects daily activities.
When to Get Medical Help
Contact your doctor if you have joint pain that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter pain relievers or lasts more than a few days. This is especially important if you’ve recently had an infection in your digestive or urinary system.
Seek medical attention right away if you experience:
- Severe joint pain or swelling
- Difficulty moving a joint
- Fever over 101ยฐF (38.3ยฐC)
- Eye redness, pain, or vision changes
- Pain while urinating
Remember that symptoms of reactive arthritis can sometimes be confused with other conditions. A proper medical evaluation will help determine the exact cause of your symptoms and the best treatment approach.
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist like a rheumatologist if needed.
Causes
Reactive arthritis happens when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection in another part of the body. Unlike other forms of arthritis, reactive arthritis typically develops after certain bacterial infections.
The most common infections that trigger reactive arthritis affect the genitals or intestines. These include bacteria like Chlamydia, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, and Yersinia. When these germs enter the body, they can set off an abnormal immune response.
Environmental factors may also contribute to reactive arthritis development. For example, certain foods containing bacteria might trigger intestinal infections that lead to the condition.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase a person’s chance of developing reactive arthritis. Not everyone exposed to these risk factors will get the condition, but they raise the likelihood.
Age and Gender
- Men between 20 and 40 years old face higher risk
- Women can develop it too, but often have milder symptoms
Genetic Factors
Carrying the HLA-B27 gene makes someone more likely to develop reactive arthritis. About 80% of people with reactive arthritis test positive for this gene, though most people with the gene never get the condition.
Triggering Infections
The main infections that can trigger reactive arthritis include:
| Infection Type | Common Examples |
|---|---|
| Bacterial GI infections | Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia |
| Genital infections | Chlamydia |
| Respiratory infections | Chlamydophila pneumoniae |
Other Risk Factors
- Recent food poisoning episode
- Living in areas with poor sanitation
- Having unprotected sex with an infected partner
- Previous history of reactive arthritis (can recur)
People with HIV may experience more severe and longer-lasting reactive arthritis symptoms.
Prevention
Reactive arthritis cannot always be prevented, but several steps can reduce your risk. Good hygiene practices help prevent infections that may trigger reactive arthritis.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
Safe sex practices are important for preventing sexually transmitted infections that can lead to reactive arthritis. Using condoms during sexual activity reduces your risk of developing infections that might trigger this condition.
Food safety precautions help prevent foodborne illnesses that can trigger reactive arthritis. These include:
- Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before eating
- Cooking meat, poultry, and seafood to proper temperatures
- Avoiding unpasteurized dairy products
- Storing food at appropriate temperatures
- Separating raw meat from other foods
For people with a history of reactive arthritis, avoiding triggers can help prevent flare-ups. Some individuals find that certain foods or activities worsen their symptoms, so identifying and avoiding these triggers is helpful for long-term management.
