Reactive Arthritis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Reactive Arthritis?
A rheumatologist mainly treats reactive arthritis. This is a doctor who treats arthritis and other joint, bone, and muscle diseases. Eye, skin, or urinary specialists may also help. A primary care doctor can coordinate your care. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is joint swelling and pain that happens in reaction to an infection. The infection is a bacterial one in the digestive tract, the urinary tract, or the genitals. Joint symptoms usually do not start until after you have recovered from the infection. It often causes swelling and pain, called inflammation, in the joints, eyes, and urinary tract. Not everyone gets all three.
Symptoms
Some people have mild symptoms, while others have severe symptoms that limit daily activities. Symptoms usually start 1 to 6 weeks after an infection. They usually start quickly, over a few days.
- Joint pain and stiffness are common, especially in the knees and ankles. The affected joints are usually on one side of the body. Morning stiffness or nighttime pain is typical.
- Heel or foot pain can mean swelling where a tendon attaches to a bone. Fingers or toes may be swollen and painful.
- Needing to pass urine often, and burning when you do.
- Eye redness, pain, itching, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light.
Other symptoms include tiredness, fever, and weight loss. Some people also have diarrhea, belly pain, or small ulcers in the mouth. Some people get a skin rash of reddish, raised bumps on the palms or soles. Symptoms often clear up on their own within a few weeks or months. In some people they last a long time.
Causes and who gets it
An infection triggers reactive arthritis, but the arthritis is separate from the infection. Bacteria that commonly trigger it include Salmonella, Yersinia, Campylobacter, Shigella, and Chlamydia. Only a small number of people with these infections get reactive arthritis.
Anyone can get reactive arthritis, but it occurs most often in people between ages 20 and 40. A gene called HLA-B27 raises the risk of getting it. It also raises the risk of more severe and longer-lasting symptoms. People without that gene can still get the condition. Having HIV infection also raises the risk.
How doctors diagnose it
No single test can diagnose reactive arthritis. Doctors may suspect it if you have joint pain and a recent infection. The infection may be in the digestive tract, urinary tract, or genitals. The doctor asks about your symptoms, including signs of a recent infection. A blood test can look for HLA-B27, a gene linked to this condition. The result is not definitive. Stool and urine cultures can look for the bacteria that trigger it. X-rays and other scans can show joint changes.
Treatment
There is no cure for reactive arthritis, so treatment aims to relieve symptoms. Doctors may use pain and anti-inflammatory medicines. These help reduce joint pain and swelling. Corticosteroids are strong drugs that are usually injected into sore joints. Doctors usually use DMARDs only when other medicines have not worked. DMARDs are medicines that calm the immune system. Antibiotics are used if a bacterial infection is still there. Physical therapy can ease pain and improve joint function.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you have joint pain after a recent stomach, urinary, or genital infection. Doctors may suspect reactive arthritis in that case. Also see a doctor if you have eye redness, eye pain, blurred vision, or sensitivity to light. These can be signs of eye inflammation.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can check your symptoms, look for a recent infection, and order first tests. They can also refer you to a rheumatologist and help coordinate your care.
Common questions
Does reactive arthritis go away?
Reactive arthritis often goes away on its own within a few weeks or months. In some people it becomes chronic, which means long-lasting.
What infections cause reactive arthritis?
Bacterial infections of the digestive tract, urinary tract, or genitals cause it. Only a small number of people with these infections get it.
Is reactive arthritis caused by a sexually transmitted infection?
It can be, but many cases come from other infections that are not spread through sex. Men are more likely to get it from a sexually transmitted infection.
Sources
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Reactive Arthritis
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - Reactive Arthritis: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
