Reactive Arthritis
Conveniently located to serve Denver Metro, Fort Collins, and Colorado Springs.
Functional Medicine’s Approach to Reactive Arthritis
Introduction
Welcome to Spire Health Pathways, where our functional medicine practice is dedicated to empowering individuals living with reactive arthritis through comprehensive knowledge and personalized care. This webpage provides an extensive and detailed look at reactive arthritis, its signs and symptoms, the impact on people’s lives, and what to expect from our practice when seeking care. Our aim is to help you make well-informed decisions about your health and the management of this condition.
Understanding Reactive Arthritis
What is Reactive Arthritis?
Reactive arthritis, formerly known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs as a result of an infection in another part of the body, such as the gastrointestinal or genitourinary systems. The infection triggers an immune response, causing inflammation in the joints and sometimes other areas of the body, such as the eyes, skin, and urinary tract. Reactive arthritis typically affects young adults and is more common in men than women.
Causes and Triggers
Reactive arthritis is usually triggered by bacterial infections, most commonly:
- Gastrointestinal infections, such as those caused by Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or Yersinia bacteria
- Genitourinary infections, such as chlamydia
In some cases, reactive arthritis may also be associated with viral infections or other underlying medical conditions.
Signs and Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis
Common Symptoms
The primary symptoms of reactive arthritis are related to joint inflammation and can include:
- Joint pain and swelling
- Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of inactivity
- Tenderness in the affected joints, commonly the knees, ankles, and feet
Additional Symptoms
Reactive arthritis can also cause symptoms in other areas of the body, such as:
- Inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis or uveitis)
- Urinary tract symptoms, such as increased frequency or burning during urination
- Skin rashes, including small, painless ulcers in the mouth or on the genitals, and scaly patches on the palms and soles
Diagnosing Reactive Arthritis
Diagnosing reactive arthritis can be challenging, as its symptoms can mimic those of other joint disorders. A combination of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory tests is used to make a diagnosis. Some common tests include:
Blood Tests
Blood tests can help identify inflammation and rule out other possible causes of joint pain, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus.
Joint Fluid Analysis
A sample of fluid from the affected joint can be analyzed to check for signs of infection or inflammation.
Imaging Studies
X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to assess joint damage and monitor disease progression.
Impact of Reactive Arthritis on People’s Lives
Reactive arthritis can significantly impact individuals’ lives, affecting their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Some of the potential consequences include:
Physical Limitations
Joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility can make it difficult to perform daily tasks and participate in recreational activities.
Emotional Health
Living with reactive arthritis can take an emotional toll, as individuals may experience stress, anxiety, and depression related to managing their condition and dealing with potential complications.
Work and Social Life
The physical limitations and emotional challenges of reactive arthritis can affect work performance and interpersonal relationships, leading to reduced productivity, job loss, or social isolation.
Traditional Medicine Treatment Options
Medications
- – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation
- – Corticosteroids, either taken orally or injected into the affected joint, to control severe inflammation
- – Antibiotics to treat the underlying infection, particularly in cases of genitourinary infections
- – Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) may be used in some cases to manage chronic symptoms
Physical Therapy
Spire Health Pathways’ Functional Medicine Approach
Comprehensive Assessment
We begin by conducting a thorough evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle factors, and environmental influences to identify potential triggers and imbalances contributing to reactive arthritis.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Based on our comprehensive assessment, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and circumstances. This may include:
- Nutritional counseling and personalized meal planning to support an anti-inflammatory diet and optimize gut health
- Targeted supplementation to address nutritional deficiencies and support immune system regulation
- Lifestyle modification recommendations, such as stress reduction techniques, sleep optimization, and personalized exercise plans
- Integrative therapies, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, or hydrotherapy, to support overall health and well-being
Collaborative Care
We work closely with your primary healthcare team and any relevant specialists to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach to your care. Regular follow-ups and monitoring help us track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
Conclusion
At Spire Health Pathways, our goal is to provide comprehensive, personalized, and integrative care for individuals living with reactive arthritis. We believe that by addressing the root causes of the condition and supporting overall health and well-being, we can help you achieve optimal health and improve your quality of life. If you or a loved one is living with reactive arthritis and would like to explore our functional medicine approach, we invite you to contact us and schedule a consultation. Let us partner with you on your journey to better health and wellness.
Learn More About Our Services
Unexplained Symptoms
Lifestyle & Environmental
Gastrointestinal
Autoimmune & Allergic
Neurologic & Mental Health
Acquired
Spire Health Pathways
“The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will instruct his patients in care of the human frame, in diet, and in the cause and prevention of disease.” – Thomas Edison