Remedies For Reactive Arthritis
November 9, 2009
Reactive arthritis is a rare disease. The arthritis characterized by joint pain and inflammation occurs due to an infection in an organ of the body, such as the urinary tract, intestine or genitals. Usually the knee, ankle and feet joints are affected by reactive arthritis.
Reactive arthritis usually affects men between 20 and 40 years of age. Compared to women, men are more susceptible to reactive arthritis triggered by sexually transmitted bacterial infection. Women usually experience mild symptoms of reactive arthritis.
Reactive arthritis causes
Reactive arthritis occurs when a bacterial infection occurs in some other part of the body. Several bacteria including chlamydia, shigella, salmonella, campylobacter and yersinia are responsible for this condition. The bacterial infection responsible for triggering reactive arthritis is contagious in nature. Through the infected saliva, the bacterial infection passes from person to person during physical contact or through contaminated food. However, reactive arthritis by itself is not an infectious disease. Sometimes certain genetic factors increase the risk of developing reactive arthritis.
Symptoms of reactive arthritis
The common symptoms of reactive arthritis include joint pain, inflammation of joints, inflammation of toes and lower back pain. People suffering from reactive arthritis might experience paining and burning sensation while urinating. Frequency of urination increases. The prostate gland or cervix can become swollen. Reactive arthritis could also be associated with mouth, ulcer, skin rash, conjunctivitis and inner eye inflammation.
Reactive arthritis treatment
The symptoms of reactive arthritis usually last between 3 to 12 months. Sometimes relapse of the bacterial infection might cause reappearance of the reactive arthritis symptoms. Antibiotic medications are prescribed for treating the underlying bacterial infection that triggers reactive arthritis. Regular exercises help to reduce the arthritis symptoms. To increase joint mobility and to reduce stiffness of the joints, range of motion exercises are beneficial.
Developing muscles through strengthening exercises reduces excess strain on the joints during movement, reducing joint inflammation and pain. Applying hot compress can help to improve the condition of the joints affected by reactive arthritis. Intake of certain herbs such as turmeric, licorice, white willow bark or cat’s claw could reduce arthritis pain, swelling and joint stiffness.
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