Reactive arthritis

Overview

Reactive arthritis appears 1 to 4 weeks after an infection in the gut or urinary tract.

Knees, ankles, and feet are most often affected.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Swollen joints after infection

Less common

• Red eyes
• Burning urine

Look up a symptom: Burning when urinating · Pain in many joints · Red eye or eye discharge

When to get medical care

Causes

Immune reaction.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Recent infection

Diagnosis

A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.

The exam

A physical exam.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

• Tests:

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.

Self-care

• Rest joints
• Rest sore joints

Prevention

To lower your risk or prevent problems:

• Safe sex
• Food safety

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a rheumatologist (joint and immune system doctor).
• A physical therapist can help with exercises to rebuild strength and motion.

Living with it

• Stay active with walking, swimming, or biking.
• Keep a healthy weight to ease joint strain.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• Arthritis Foundation: Helpline, exercise programs, and online community.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Young men: Most common.
• Men 20 to 40: Most common.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Go to visits when you can and take notes.
• Keep a list of medicines, allergies, and doctors in one place.
• Learn the warning signs that need fast care.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Most recover within a year.

Most recover in months.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

What to bring

• A list of your medicines and supplements
• Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse

Questions to ask

• What's causing this?
• What treatment do you recommend?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Reactive arthritis