Reactive Arthritis
Reactive Arthritis or Reiter’s Syndrome is an uncommon autoimmune disease. It causes joint pain and swelling triggered by an infection in another part of the body — most often the intestines, genitals or urinary tract.
What are the symptoms?
The signs and symptoms of reactive arthritis generally start 1 to 4 weeks after exposure to a triggering infection.
Symptoms include:
Pain and stiffness
Eye inflammation
Urinary problems
Inflammation of tendons and ligaments where they attach to bone
Swollen toes or fingers
Skin problems
Low back pain
Causes
There are many types of bacteria can cause Reactive Arthritis. Some are transmitted sexually and others are foodborne. The most common ones include:
Campylobacter
Chlamydia
Clostridioides difficile
Escherichia coli
Salmonella
Shigella
Yersinia
Diagnosis
To diagnose Reactive Arthritis, your medical professional will usually check your joints for swelling, warmth and tenderness, testing range of motion in your spine and joints affected. They may also check your eyes for inflammation and your skin for rashes.
A variety of tests will also take place to confirm Reactive Arthritis, blood tests will be conducted to test the following:
Evidence of infection (past or current)
Signs of inflammation
Antibodies for a different type of Arthritis
A genetic market which is linked to Reactive Arthritis
Additionally, joint fluid tests will take place, these will be tested to see:
White blood cell count
Infections
Crystals
Lastly, imagery tests such as X-rays will be carried out to indicate whether you have any of the characteristic signs of reactive arthritis. This can also help to eradicate or rule out any other type of Arthritis.
How it is treated conventionally?
Signs and symptoms typically come and go, eventually disappearing within 12 months. However, the goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms and treat an infection that could still be present, this will be treated with a variety of medications and movement therapy.
Typical medications include:
Antibiotics (if your Reactive Arthritis was triggered by a bacterial infection)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Steroids
Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs
How does Surrey Centre for Nutrition work with Reactive Arthritis?
The aim of working with reactive arthritis is to address the inflammation present resulting in the pain experienced. A functional medicine approach is to identify any factors which may be contributing to Reactive Arthritis and target these with a dietary, supplement and lifestyle protocol to dampen inflammation. We would also apply protocols which aim to modulate the immune system and bring it back to a point of balance to reduce the inflammatory processes. We will review your current diet, most likely run stool testing to uncover any imbalances in gut health and screen for latent infections, chemical load and detox capacity, all of which may be contributing to the inflammatory processes occurring (adding fuel to the fire) when your reactive arthritis sets in.
Are you ready to work with us to reach your health goals?
If you or someone you know is suffering from the symptoms or conditions listed above, Surrey Centre for Nutrition may be able to help. We typically work with clients for 3-6 months depending on your health concerns. Are you interested in working with us?
Book a discovery call to see how the Surrey Centre for Nutrition can help
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