Reactive arthritis is a very painful type of inflammatory arthritis, a joint disease caused by inflammation. Reactive arthritis occurs as the result of an infection that is caused by certain bacteria. These bacteria are most often found in the genitals or the bowel, but they can also affect the heels, toes, fingers, lower back, and joints, especially knees or ankles. Reactive arthritis tends to occur most frequently in men ages 20 to 50. A common type of reactive arthritis is Reiter syndrome, which causes redness, swelling and pain in the knees, ankles, and feet, and inflammation of the eyes and urinary tract. It is not contagious, but the bacteria that trigger it can be easily passed from one person to another. Reiter syndrome cannot be cured, but it is controllable with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and antibiotics. With treatment, symptoms usually subside in two to six months, but long-term issues are common.
Reiter syndrome is triggered by fairly common bacterial infections including salmonella,
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The doctor will begin by taking a medical history and asking about any stomach and intestinal problems or sexually transmitted diseases the patient may have encountered recently instead. These interview questions will often lead to being tested for Chlamydia, a sexually transmitted disease that is often a precursor to Reiter syndrome. Also, the doctor may take test samples of cells from the throat, urethra in men or the cervix in women, urine, and stool. The doctor will also perform a physical examination beginning with the joints to see if there are any signs of inflammation and swelling, warmth, and tenderness. The spine and other affected joints will also be evaluated to determine the severity and available range of motions. Eyes and skin will also be examined for inflammation and