Reduce The Pain Of Reactive Arthritis.

• Reactive arthritis, also known as ReA, is a condition that develops when an infection in another part of your body is present. It is called reactive arthritis because it involves the immune system reacting to an infection, which is most commonly started in the genitals, urinary organs, or gastrointestinal systems. Some individuals have immune systems that react backwards when exposed to certain bacteria, and reactive arthritis is one of the results. Reactive arthritis is a chronic form of arthritis, but can include other parts of the body besides the joints. Inflammation of the eyes and genitals can also occur, as well as the urinary and gastrointestinal systems.

• Reactive arthritis was originally referred to as Reiter syndrome, but was then changed to reactive arthritis after it was determined that the immune system is reacting to an infection. It most commonly occurs in patients who are between the ages of 30 and 40, but it is not limited to only that age group. Reactive arthritis can affect other organs besides the joints, and can even cause inflammation in the eyes, mouth, skin, kidneys, heart, and even the lungs.

• Like mentioned before, reactive arthritis occurs when an infection in present in someone’s body and the immune system doesn’t react as it should. The form that occurs after a genital infection is called venereal, and occurs more frequently in males than females. Certain sexually transmitted diseases can trigger the immune system to react, as well as infections related to the urinary organs. Dysentery relates to the form of reactive arthritis that results from a bowel infection, and occurs equally in both men and women.

• Because reactive arthritis affects the joints as well as other tissues in the body, there are certain symptoms for each area affected. The symptoms related to the joints include inflammation and pain in major joints, including the knees, ankles, feet, wrists, and finger. Stiffness, pain, swelling, warmth, and redness of the joints also commonly occur, and can be very painful to deal with. Cartilage can also become inflamed, which can cause pain around the breastbone and ribs.

• Inflammation of the white portion of the eye is very common among reactive arthritis sufferers, and it can be very painful especially when in bright areas. Urinary tract inflammation can also occur, and involves the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause pain and a stinging sensation during urination, as well as pus and skin irritation around the genitals.

• Blisters sometimes form on or around the feet and hands, and are usually filled with both pus and blood. The skin can also peel, and looks similar to a skin condition called psoriasis. Ulcers can develop inside the patient’s mouth, on the palate as well as the tongue. They are usually painless, and typically go unnoticed by the patient.

• The treatment for reactive arthritis varies greatly on where the arthritis first began in the body. Joint inflammation is usually treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, along with mild painkillers such as aspirin. Inflammation in the eye can be treated with eye drops, which help to reduce inflammation as well as help with pain. Local injections of cortisone are sometimes requires for those with severe inflammation, in order to prevent blindness from occurring. Cortisone is also given for inflammation around the genitals, and is most commonly used on men rather than women. Antibiotics are also given to cure any infection in the genitals.

• Using sliced cucumbers on the eyes is a great natural treatment for eye inflammation, and there aren’t any side effects as long as you’re not allergic to cucumber. Soothing lotions or even aloe is another great natural treatment for inflammation, since it leaves the skin feeling soothed and calm. Using ice on affected area can help to bring down some of the swelling, and can also reduce pain as well. There are several different treatment options for those with reactive arthritis, and it is best to speak to your primary care physician for information about treating your specific symptoms.