Reiter's syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, is a disease that causes inflammation of the joints and tendons, especially in the knees, ankles, and feet. In addition, Reiter's syndrome may be accompanied by inflammation of the eyes, such as conjunctivitis or inflammation of the urethra, intestine, or mucous membranes such as the mouth, urinary tract, vagina, or penis.
Reiter's syndrome is most commonly found in young men in their 20s and 40s after infections of the skin, genitals, mouth, urinary tract, or intestine. Reiter's syndrome is not contagious, however, it can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases such as chlamydia.
Reiter's syndrome has no cure but its treatment can be done with the use of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and physiotherapy sessions.
Image Source 2: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Symptoms of Reiter Syndrome
The symptoms of Reiter Syndrome are mainly pain and inflammation of the joints, but other symptoms include:
- Exit of pus of the genital organ;
- Pain when urinating;
- Conjunctivitis, as shown in figure 1;
- Appearance of wounds that do not cause pain in the mouth, tongue or genital organ;
- Skin lesions on the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands, as shown in figure 2;
- Presence of yellow dirt under fingernails and toenails.
Symptoms of Reiter Syndrome appear about 7 to 14 days after an infection and may disappear within 3 or 4 months, however, it is common to re-emerge within a few weeks.
The diagnosis of Reiter Syndrome can be made by evaluating the patient's symptoms, blood test, gynecological exam or biopsy.
Treatment for Reiter's Syndrome
Treatment for Reiter Syndrome should be directed by a rheumatologist, but usually treatment with antibiotics such as Amoxicillin or Ciprofloxacin is used to treat infection and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as Indomethacin, to relieve joint inflammation.
In addition, it is also recommended to do physiotherapy to recover the movements of inflamed joints and reduce pain. In more severe cases, it may still be necessary to use immunosuppressive drugs, such as Methotrexate and Ciclosporin, to reduce the inflammatory process of the joints.
Here's a natural way to relieve joint pain in: Home remedy for inflammation of the joints.
