Many different types of arthritis affect the lives of many Americans, and one not so well-known is reactive arthritis (formerly referred to as Reiter’s Syndrome). It’s a form of arthritis that affects the joints, eyes, urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body), and skin.
In this blog, we’ll look at the following:
- What is reactive arthritis?
- What causes reactive arthritis?
- What are the symptoms of reactive arthritis?
- Potential complications or long-term effects of reactive arthritis
- How is reactive arthritis diagnosed?
- How is reactive arthritis treated?
What is Reactive Arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is recognized by various symptoms in different organs of the body that may or may not appear at the same time. It may come on quickly, severely, or more slowly, with sudden remissions or recurrences. Reactive arthritis primarily affects sexually active males between the ages of 20 and 40. Those with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) are at particularly high risk of reactive arthritis due to the virus’s attack on the immune system.
What Causes Reactive Arthritis?
While the cause of reactive arthritis is still unknown, research suggests the disease is caused, in part, by a genetic predisposition: approximately 75% of those with the condition have a positive blood test for the genetic marker HLA-B27.
In sexually active males, most cases of reactive arthritis follow infection with Chlamydia trachomatis or Ureaplasma urealyticum, both sexually transmitted infections. In other cases, people develop reactive arthritis symptoms following an intestinal infection with shigella, salmonella, yersinia, or Campylobacter bacteria.
Unfortunately, there is no known way to completely prevent reactive arthritis besides using a condom during sexual activity.
What are the Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis?
The first symptoms of reactive arthritis are painful urination and a discharge from the penis if there is inflammation of the urethra. Diarrhea may occur if the intestines are affected. This is followed by arthritis four to 28 days later, which usually affects the fingers, toes, knees, ankles, and hip joints.
Typically, there are only one or a few affected joints at one time. There are other symptoms linked to reactive arthritis, including mouth ulcers, inflammation of the eye, keratoderma blennorrhagica (patches of scaly skin on the palms, soles, trunk, or scalp), back pain from sacroiliac (SI) joint involvement, and pain from inflammation of the ligaments and tendons at the sites of their insertion into the bone (enthesitis).
Because symptoms tend to occur several weeks apart, diagnosing reactive arthritis can be complicated. A doctor may diagnose reactive arthritis when the patient’s arthritis occurs together with or shortly following inflammation of the eye and the urinary tract and lasts from a few weeks to more long-term.
Potential Complications and Long-Term Effects of Reactive Arthritis
- Stiffness
- Lower back and joint pain
- Swollen fingers or toes
- Skin rashes
- Mouth sores
- Bacterial infections
- Conjunctivitis (eye inflammation)
- Urinary problems
- Inflammation of the prostate gland or cervix
- Enthesitis (inflammation of the tendons and ligaments)
- Abnormal heart rhythm, chest pain
How is Reactive Arthritis Diagnosed?
There is no specific test for diagnosing reactive arthritis, but a doctor may check the urethral discharge for sexually transmitted diseases. Stool samples may also be tested for signs of infection.
Blood tests of reactive arthritis patients are typically positive for the HLA-B27 genetic marker, with an elevated white blood cell count and an increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)—both signs of inflammation. The patient may also be mildly anemic (having too few red blood cells in the bloodstream).
X-rays of the joints outside the back do not usually reveal any abnormalities unless the patient has had recurrent episodes of the disease. On an X-ray, joints that have been repeatedly inflamed may show areas of bone loss, signs of osteoporosis, or bony spurs. Joints in the back and pelvis (sacroiliac joints) may show abnormalities and damage from reactive arthritis.
How is Reactive Arthritis Treated?
Bacterial infections, such as chlamydia, must be treated with antibiotics. Joint pain due to inflammation from reactive arthritis is usually treated with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as naproxen, aspirin, or ibuprofen. Skin eruptions and eye inflammation can be treated with steroids.
Those with chronic disease may be prescribed other medications, including methotrexate. People with reactive arthritis may also be referred to a physical therapist and advised to exercise regularly.
Published On: May 15, 2013
Updated On: January 26, 2023
