It is caused by an infection in other part of the body by a bacteria called as Chlamydia trachomatis. Inflammation of large joints, eyes, urethritis in men, cervicitis in women and psoriasis-like skin lesions are commonly seen in patients affected with this disease.

They belong mostly to the age group 20-40 years and men are at higher risk of developing this ailment than women. How the infection leads to this condition is not fully understood yet.

Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis:

The signs of this condition can become apparent anywhere within 4-35 days of the infection. Some of the signs to look out for are:

• Increased frequency of urination
• Burning sensation while passing urine
• Swelling of prostate gland in men
• Salpingitis, cervicitis and vulvovaginitis in women
• Swelling and pain in knee
• Eye pain in 50-75 percent patients
• Irritation
• Blurred vision
• Redness of eye
• Penile lesions in 20-40 percent men
• Hard nodules in the soles of the feet and on palms of the hand
• Mouth ulcers which come and go
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Inflammation of a fibrous sac surrounding the heart seen in 10 percent patients
• Leaking of blood from one of the valves of heart

Existence of this disease cannot be diagnosed positively as there are no definite criteria as of now. There are some guidelines available, published by the American College of Rheumatology, which are followed by the doctors instead.

Treatment of Reactive Arthritis:

Identification and killing of the bacteria which is the primary source of infection is done using antibiotics in the initial stages. Chlamydia trachomatis is mostly responsible for causing this form of arthritis in the United States. But there are other bacteria too which cause this disorder like Yersinia spp., Campylobacter spp., Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Ureaplasma urealyticum.

Otherwise, treatment in based upon the evident symptoms. When the disease is in the severe stage, immunosuppressants, analgesics and steroids are used to treat it.

Symptoms of Knee Arthritis:

• Joint pain
• Difficulty in walking
• Redness of joint
• Tenderness of joint
• Swelling of joints
• Difficulty in moving joint
• Clicking of joint
• Stiffness of joint
• Warmth of joints

Treatment of Knee Arthritis:

Carrying out certain blood tests and examination of x-rays taken of the joints may confirm the condition. NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory drugs are generally prescribed by the doctors to treat it. But rely completely on these drugs cannot be beneficial.

Since arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, major changes in every living mannerism should undergo change too. Regular exercise is a must. It helps in keeping the joints functional and increases the range of motion of the arms, legs and other affected organs.

There are certain foods which are found to increase the swelling and pain of the joints. Awareness and avoiding these foods are necessary. Tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers are some of these foods containing a component called solanine which causes harm to the interests of arthritis patients.

Taking bath with warm water, immersing the joints in warm water tub can increase the blood flow in these joints and relieve pain. If this technique is followed under the supervision of physiotherapists in specially meant pools for arthritis patients, it will be beneficial.

Magnetic therapy, acupuncture and ayurveda are some of the other alternative treatment methods which provide substantial relief from arthritis pain, without showing any side-effects. They are time-tested methods of treating ailments, but should be tried out under medical supervision in additional to following conventional medicine for gaining optimum benefits.

Women are three times at more risk of developing this disease than men. It onsets around the ages 25-55. But women mostly get affected with it in their 40s. It is rare among children below the age of 15 years and elderly people above the age of 80 years. The severe form of this disease is chronic which means it exists for a life time. However, in most of the cases, the disease exists for a short time and the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis appear and perish alternatively.

Unfortunately the disease is progressive by nature. Every year, three cases per 10,000 people are found in the United States. It affects the daily life activities of the patients. 33 percent of the sufferers stop working because of the complications after 5 years of diagnosis. Nearly 50 percent of patients experience functional disability after suffering for 10 years. Smokers are four times higher at risk of getting this disease than non-smokers.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Joint pain
• Stiffness in the morning
• Stiffness due to inactivity
• Swelling in joints
• Warm joints
• Tenderness
• Wrist arthritis
• Finger arthritis
• Ankle arthritis
• Foot arthritis
• Malaise
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Change in appetite
• Occasional fever
• Increase in pain in an episodic manner with remissions
• Mild fever bouts
• Tiredness
• Fatigue and malaise experienced especially in afternoon
• Dry mouth
• Dry eyes
• Pain in the neck
• Skin bumps as observed in 25 percent patients

Advanced and Rare Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

• Osteoporosis or a bone disease which increases the risk of fractures
• Carpal tunnel syndrome or a condition involving compression of the carpal tunnel of hands causing pain
• Lymphoma or cancer in the lymph nodes, though very rare
• Thrombocytosis or high levels of platelets in the blood
• Fibrosis of the lungs or excess formation of tissues than the normal requirement
• Pleural effusions or accumulation of excess fluids in the lungs
• Renal amyloidosis of the kidney or abnormal deposition of amyloid proteins in tissues and organs
• Skin fragility
• Diffuse thinning or rice paper skin condition
• Sweet syndrome or a skin disease with sudden fever observed in people suffering from blood and immune system diseases.
• Erythema nodosum or inflamation of fat cells of the skin
• Palmar erythemaor reddening of palms as seen is 30 percents of this rheumatoid arthritis
• Lobular panniculitis or swelling of the fatty layers under the skin
• Atrophy or complete wasting of the body parts
• Pyoderma gangrenosum or a disease involving deep ulcers and chronic wounds in legs mostly

How to Prevent Arthritis?

1. One must relax. A tensed up muscles causes stress to the joints.
2. Avoid exercises that cause joint pains that last for an hour after the exercise.
3. Maintain a balance between activity and rest. Regular excises lasting for 20 to 30 minutes, along with 8 hours of good night sleep is good for musculoskeletal health.
4. It is good to practice good posture. One must lift heavy items with hip muscles rather than with the back.
5. Lose excessive weight. The more you lose the better for the muscles. If you lose weight by 12 pounds then you lessen the risk of developing arthritis by half.
6. Soak yourself in a hot tub after performing strenuous exercises.
7. Avoid sitting on soft chairs and sleep on mattresses that are firm.
8. Do not cause strain that is repetitive on the joints and muscles.
9. Keep a watchful eye on work activities that cause chronic arthritis pain. Change those activities in case they cause much discomfort.
10. Avoid squatting or taking part strenuous physical labor as well as sports that cause much strain.
11. Exercise moderately. Do not over do such activity.
12. Cross – training programs are good for building activities which are lightweight.
13. Take vitamin supplements to strengthen the joints. These can protect the joints and delay the onset of arthritis. These are Vitamin D and C, glucosamine, boron, MSM etc.
14. Do not overeat. Try to retain ideal weight.
15. Drink plenty of water to lubricate the joints and to enhance their capacity to take shocks.
16. Avoid coffee, tea and sodas.
17. Drink green tea.
18. Yoga is very good.
19. Take a diet which is less in fat, salt and sugar. Eat a diet that consists of complex carbohydrates.
20. Bring in changes in your lifestyle so that you remain health conscious.

Arthritis gets worse as you grow older. It is better to take precautions so that you can lessen its discomfort and pain.