Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis can cause knee pain and swelling after an infection elsewhere in the body.

This page covers causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, medications, surgical approaches, and recovery guidance related to reactive arthritis.

Quick Facts

Focus	Details
Condition Type	Inflammatory
Common Symptoms	Joint pain and swelling, Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes, Warmth or redness over the joint, Fatigue or systemic symptoms
Typical Diagnosis	Clinical exam and symptom review, Blood tests for inflammation or autoantibodies, Imaging to assess joint damage
Common Treatments	Physical therapy and joint protection, Activity pacing and ergonomic adjustments, NSAIDs, Antibiotics if infection persists

Causes and Risk Factors

Causes

Inflammatory response after infection

Risk Factors

Family history of autoimmune disease
Smoking or environmental exposures
Other autoimmune conditions

Symptoms and Signs

Joint pain and swelling
Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes
Warmth or redness over the joint
Fatigue or systemic symptoms

Diagnosis

Clinical exam and symptom review
Blood tests for inflammation or autoantibodies
Imaging to assess joint damage

Treatment Overview

Focus	Details
Non-Surgical Care	Physical therapy and joint protection, Activity pacing and ergonomic adjustments
Medications	NSAIDs, Antibiotics if infection persists, Corticosteroids for flares
Injections	Corticosteroid injections for localized inflammation
Surgical Options	Synovectomy in select cases, Joint replacement for advanced damage

Self-Care and Recovery

Regular, gentle exercise
Heat or cold therapy
Balanced nutrition and rest

Possible Complications

Joint damage and deformity
Reduced mobility
Systemic complications depending on disease

FAQs

What is Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive arthritis can cause knee pain and swelling after an infection elsewhere in the body.

What symptoms are common?

Joint pain and swelling, Morning stiffness lasting longer than 30 minutes, Warmth or redness over the joint, Fatigue or systemic symptoms.

How is it diagnosed?

Clinical exam and symptom review, Blood tests for inflammation or autoantibodies, Imaging to assess joint damage.

What treatments are used?

Physical therapy and joint protection, Activity pacing and ergonomic adjustments, NSAIDs, Antibiotics if infection persists, Corticosteroids for flares, Synovectomy in select cases.

When should I seek care?

Seek care for severe pain, swelling, fever, or inability to bear weight, or if symptoms persist despite self-care.