Reactive arthritis - how do we treat it?

Reactive arthritis: what are the symptoms and what triggers it

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory joint disease that occurs in response to an infection in another part of the body, often in the digestive or urinary tract, and mainly affects the lower limbs, but can also affect the eye lining and urinary system. According to the origin of the infection, reactive arthritis is divided into different subtypes (e.g. postchlamydial, post-salmonella). Untreated reactive arthritis can lead to chronic pain, stiffness and reduced joint mobility.

• Symptoms of reactive arthritis usually appear several weeks after a digestive or urinary tract infection. They include pain and swelling in the joints, most commonly the knees, ankles and heels. Eye problems (conjunctivitis) and pain when urinating are also common.
• The trigger is most often a bacterial infection (e.g. chlamydia, salmonella, shigella).
• Treatment for reactive arthritis includes rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases antibiotics to control the infection. Physical therapy can help strengthen the muscles around the affected joints.

Gouty arthritis: Symptoms, triggers and risks of untreated arthritis

Gouty arthropathy, popularly gout, is a rheumatological disease that arises due to prolonged elevated levels of uric acid in the blood. This acid is deposited as sodium urate crystals in the joints and surrounding tissues, causing painful inflammation of the joints and surrounding tissues. This condition is often found in people with untreated or poorly compensated gout, a form of arthritis caused specifically by uric acid build-up.

Gout is divided into acute gouty arthritis (a single flare-up) and chronic gout (repeated attacks and permanent damage to the joints). Untreated gout can lead to chronic pain, formation of tophi (crystalline nodules of uric acid) and joint damage.

• Gout is manifested by sudden, intense joint pain (usually at night) and redness of the affected area. The toe area is most commonly affected, but it can also affect the ankles, knees or wrists.
• Gout is caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can increase due to unhealthy diet, alcohol, obesity and genetic predisposition.
• Treatment includes medication to reduce uric acid, anti-inflammatory drugs and dietary changes. An important part of treatment is limiting foods high in purines (red meat, seafood, etc.).

Post-infectious arthritis: what causes it and how to treat it

Post-infectious arthritis is an inflammatory disease of the joints that occurs as a reaction of the body to a past infection, with the infection no longer present in the body. It typically affects large joints such as the knees, shoulders or hips. Left untreated, post-infectious arthritis can lead to permanent joint damage, sepsis or serious infectious complications.

• Symptoms of post-infectious arthritis often include stiffness and pain in the joints, swelling and a feeling of heat in the joint area. General symptoms such as fever may also occur.
• It is often triggered by a bacterial infection (e.g. staphylococcus, streptococcus) that can spread from other parts of the body.
• Treatment involves giving antibiotics to eliminate the infection and anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, puncture is necessary to drain the inflammatory fluid from the joint.

Don't wait until your problem gets worse. Seek our professional help and start treatment as soon as possible to avoid serious consequences.