What is Reactive Arthritis? Causes and Symptoms

Reactive arthritis is a pain in the joints along with swelling. It is often stimulated by infection in other parts of the body. Some common ones are intestines or urinary tract

It mostly aims at knees and the joints of ankles and feet. Swelling also puts an impact on eyes and  skin

Symptoms

The indications for reactive arthritis begin five weeks prior to getting exposed to any stimulating infection. These can be:

• Pain in lower back :

Having pain in the heels, buttocks or low back pain is also not a very uncommon thing to be seen in people suffering from reactive arthritis. The pain is mostly felt at nigh tor in the morning.

• Skin problems:

It affects the skin many ways than you can think. Rashes on soles along with palms and mouth sores can be experienced.

• Swelling in toes and fingers:

Many times the toes and fingers become elephant like, due to swelling.

• Problems related to passing urine:

The problems can range from increased cycles and discomfort while passing urine.

Causes

Reactive arthritis happens when reacted to an infection in the body. Mostly seen in the intestines or genitals. Many times the stimulating infection is not known.

Some bacteria are also responsible for reactive arthritis. Some of them are transmitted through intercourse and many are foodborne.

Risk factors:

Some factors which increase the likelihood of developing arthritis:

• Age.

The people who are in the age group of 20 – 50 are likely to develop this condition.

• Sex.

Though men and women both can develop reactive arthritis.  But, chances of men developing it is much more than women.

• Genetics.

A hydro marker has been said to be connected with reactive arthritis.

• Prevention

The factors in genes are more likely to play a role in developing reactive arthritis. Though the genes cannot be changed, other measures can be taken to reduce the chances of developing

Reactive Arthritis

Since food disease also leads to reactive arthritis, be careful about consuming food. Make sure it is stored at normal temperature and is cooked in a proper way, so that food contamination is reduced to a minimum.

Sometimes sexually transmitted diseases can also be the result of having reactive arthritis. Hence, wear condoms while getting physically involved.

Arthritis treatment

You can discuss with our doctor if you feel any of the symptoms. The arthritis treatment can help in living an active life and also in reducing the long term complications.

Arthritis medicines

Many medicines are prescribed for arthritis. Many are helpful in reducing pain and inflammation. While others help in reducing flares and limit the damage which arthritis does to the body.