To treat reactive arthritis, it is important to consult a rheumatologist to begin drug treatment as soon as the first symptoms appear, which may include joint pain, burning on urination or redness of the eyes, depending on the affected site.
Learn more about this problem in: Reactive arthritis.
However, to relieve the symptoms while waiting for the consultation in the rheumatologist it is recommended to rest a lot, make the treatment for the infection that led to the onset of reactive arthritis and move the affected joint with care and gentleness.
Remedies for Reactive Arthritis
Drug treatment for reactive arthritis should be physician-directed but usually includes:
- Antibiotics: such as Amoxicillin or Erythromycin to fight infection that is causing the onset of reactive arthritis;
- Anti-inflammatory medicines : such as Ibuprofen or Diclofenac to reduce inflammation in the joint and other parts of the body, making movements easier and relieving pain;
- Corticosteroid remedies: such as Prednisolone or Betamethasone, for example, that are used to reduce inflammation when anti-inflammatories do not show results;
- Disease modifying drugs : such as sulfasalazine that are used in chronic cases, when none of the other medicines have reduced the symptoms.
Usually, the treatment for reactive arthritis lasts about 6 months, but in some cases can get up to 1 year depending on the severity of the symptoms and the cause that led to the onset of arthritis.
However, to speed up the treatment and relieve the symptoms, the doctor may still recommend physiotherapy sessions to complete the drug treatment.
Physiotherapy for reactive arthritis
Physiotherapeutic treatment for reactive arthritis should be guided by a physiotherapist and therefore it is important that the exercises are always done in a physical therapy clinic.
Physiotherapy is normally maintained throughout the drug treatment of reactive arthritis as it helps to decrease joint pain, increase the range, and prevent deformations that may arise due to the problem.
Signs of amelioration of reactive arthritis
Signs of amelioration of reactive arthritis occur a few weeks after initiation of treatment, and usually include pain relief, reduced joint stiffness, and decreased inflammation in various body sites characterized by decreased swelling in the joints or reduced redness in the eyes.
Signs of Worsening of Reactive Arthritis
Signs of worsening of reactive arthritis are more frequent when treatment is not showing results and include increased difficulty in moving a joint, decreased ability to see or worsening of other symptoms.
