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Reactive Arthritis
Moderate
Reactive arthritis is a form of joint inflammation that develops after an infection elsewhere in the body, most often involving the digestive or urinary or genital tract. It can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and may sometimes affect the eyes or urinary system. Symptoms may begin after the original infection has improved.
Body System
Bones & Joints
When to Seek Medical Attention
Reactive arthritis should be medically assessed when joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or inflammation persists or worsens, particularly when symptoms follow an infection. Seek prompt care for a severely swollen or painful joint, fever, significant difficulty walking, or worsening symptoms. Urgent evaluation is appropriate for severe eye symptoms, chest symptoms, or other signs of significant systemic illness.
Symptoms
3
Causes
1
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Reactive arthritis is a form of joint inflammation that develops after an infection elsewhere in the body, most often involving the digestive or urinary or genital tract. It can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness and may sometimes affect the eyes or urinary system. Symptoms may begin after the original infection has improved.
Symptoms 3
Back Pain
Bone Pain
Fever
Causes 1
Reactive arthritis usually develops after an infection, particularly an infection involving the gastrointestinal tract or the urinary or genital tract. The joint inflammation is thought to result from an abnormal immune response that continues after the original infection. Common triggering infections can include certain bacterial infections, although not everyone who develops one of these infections develops reactive arthritis.
Infection
Risk Factors
Risk factors for reactive arthritis include a recent gastrointestinal or urinary or genital infection and genetic susceptibility. Certain inherited immune-system characteristics may make some people more likely to develop the condition after an infection. A history of infections that can trigger reactive arthritis may therefore increase risk, although most people with these infections do not necessarily develop arthritis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Diagnosis of reactive arthritis is based on the pattern of joint symptoms, physical examination, and evidence of a recent infection. Blood tests may help assess inflammation or identify other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Testing for infections may be performed when appropriate, and imaging or examination of affected joints can provide additional information.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Reactive arthritis cannot always be prevented, but reducing infections that can trigger it may lower risk
Practicing safer sex, including appropriate barrier protection, can help reduce sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia
Good food safety and hand hygiene can reduce gastrointestinal infections
Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment of suspected infections may also reduce complications
Prevention Guidance
Reactive arthritis cannot always be prevented, but reducing infections that can trigger it may lower risk. Practicing safer sex, including appropriate barrier protection, can help reduce sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia. Good food safety and hand hygiene can reduce gastrointestinal infections. Prompt evaluation and appropriate treatment of suspected infections may also reduce complications.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Detailed treatment guidance is currently being prepared.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Fresh Fruits
Support recovery
Vegetables
Provide nutrients
Water
Maintain hydration
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
May worsen symptoms
Processed Foods
Limit intake
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
Joint inflammation that develops after an infection.
Gastrointestinal and urinary infections are common triggers.
Many cases improve over time.
Joint pain, swelling, and eye inflammation may occur.
Treatment focuses on controlling inflammation and infection.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.