Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that can develop after certain infections, most commonly involving the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tract. It may cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, along with symptoms affecting other parts of the body. The condition can vary in severity and duration, with some individuals experiencing temporary symptoms and others requiring longer-term management.

Because symptoms may appear weeks after an initial infection and may involve multiple systems, reactive arthritis can be challenging to recognize without a comprehensive evaluation.

What Is Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is an immune-mediated inflammatory arthritis that occurs as a reaction to an infection elsewhere in the body. The joints themselves are not infected; rather, the immune system response triggered by the infection leads to inflammation in the joints and surrounding tissues.

It is considered an inflammatory condition rather than a degenerative one and may affect the joints asymmetrically. Commonly involved areas include the knees, ankles, and feet, though other joints may also be affected.

Common Symptoms

Symptoms of reactive arthritis may include:

• Joint pain and swelling, often in the lower extremities
• Stiffness, particularly after periods of rest
• Pain in the heels or soles of the feet
• Lower back discomfort
• Eye irritation or redness in some cases
• Urinary or genital symptoms around the time of onset

Symptoms may develop days to weeks after an infection and can fluctuate over time.

What Causes Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is thought to result from an abnormal immune response following certain infections. Contributing factors may include:

• Recent gastrointestinal infections
• Recent genitourinary infections
• Genetic susceptibility
• Immune system activation leading to joint inflammation

Not everyone who experiences these infections develops reactive arthritis, suggesting individual immune responses play a role.

How Is Reactive Arthritis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical findings and medical history, including:

• Review of recent infections and symptom timing
• Physical examination of affected joints
• Laboratory tests to assess inflammation and immune activity
• Additional testing to evaluate for recent infections when appropriate

There is no single definitive test, so careful assessment is important.

Treatment Options for Reactive Arthritis

Treatment focuses on managing inflammation and supporting recovery. Options may include:

• Anti-inflammatory approaches to reduce joint pain and swelling
• Medications to manage immune-related inflammation when needed
• Physical therapy to maintain joint mobility
• Advanced or infusion-based therapies in select cases with persistent symptoms

Management plans are individualized and adjusted based on symptom progression.

When to See a Rheumatologist

A rheumatology evaluation may be appropriate if you experience:

• Joint pain or swelling following a recent infection
• Symptoms affecting multiple joints
• Persistent inflammation lasting several weeks
• Additional symptoms involving the eyes or lower back

Specialized care can help guide appropriate management.

Our Approach to Treating Reactive Arthritis

Our practice emphasizes thorough evaluation and personalized treatment planning for reactive arthritis. We focus on monitoring symptoms, addressing inflammation, and adjusting care as needed over time.

For patients with ongoing or more severe disease, access to advanced therapies, including infusion-based treatments when appropriate, is available as part of a coordinated care approach.

Schedule a Consultation

If joint symptoms have developed following an infection or are not improving, scheduling a consultation can help clarify the diagnosis and identify appropriate treatment options.