What is Reactive Arthritis?

Definition or Meaning

“Reactive Arthritis” definition:

Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that can be caused by different kind of infections, for example, bacterial infections like Salmonella or Shigella. It is also known as Reiter’s syndrome.

The main symptoms of reactive arthritis are: fever, fatigue and joint pain. These symptoms might resemble those of many other problems in the body and reactive arthritis cannot be diagnosed without a doctor’s help.

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Reactive arthritis is a form of arthritis that is not related to any other joint diseases. It's triggered by some type of infection and usually starts in the fingers, toes, or around the eyes.

It's possible for people with reactive arthritis to have symptoms that are similar to those of other types of arthritis including rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. People with reactive arthritis have inflammation in their joints caused by an infection or injury. Symptoms may include joint pain, warmth in the hands and feet, and redness of the skin over joints (especially on one side).

The symptoms can vary from person-to-person but they typically last anywhere from 2 weeks up to a year before they go away.