Houston Reactive Arthritis Treatment

What is Reactive Arthritis?

After certain infections, reactive arthritis may develop. Reactive arthritis is more frequent in men than in women, and typically occurs during young adulthood.

General symptoms of reactive arthritis include joint pain and swelling, eye inflammation, diarrhea, skin rash and weight loss. This arthritis is asymmetric, acute and is most often found in the knees, ankles, or feet. In cases where reactive arthritis appears in the hands, fingers may swell severely causing a “sausage digit”. In rare cases, back soreness or tenderness near tendons and ligaments around the bone may occur. These are generally found near the back or underneath the heel, hip, or pubic areas.

Scaly skin may form on the palms or soles of the feet, and sores may form within or around the mouth or genital areas.

Treatment Options

Treatment of reactive arthritis may include anti-inflammatory medications and occasionally antibiotics or corticosteroids. Disease modifying drugs or DMARDS may be used in patients when NSAIDS are not successful.

Most patients will recover from reactive arthritis and some patients may experience persistent attacks. Only some of those patients will have long-standing disease.

Consult a Physician

Reactive arthritis can cause severe discomfort and may negatively impact your lifestyle. If you suffer from this condition, it is best to consult with a specialized physician to individualize your treatment plan. Call Rheumatology Associates of Houston at (713) 667-8292 to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced physicians.