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    3. Rheumatology
    4. Reactive arthritis

    Reactive Arthritis 

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our rheumatology specialists assess, diagnose, and treat reactive arthritis. Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that can develop after certain infections, most often in the digestive tract or urinary tract. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints. It also may affect other areas of the body, such as the eyes, skin, and urinary tract.

    Our internationally recognised specialists use clinical assessment, diagnostic testing, and advanced imaging to understand your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan.

    • Reactive arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis. It can develop after an infection, often in the digestive tract or urinary tract.

      Symptoms usually appear several days or weeks after the infection. In some people, the immune system continues to react after the infection has passed. This can lead to inflammation in the joints and other tissues.

      Reactive arthritis most often affects the knees, ankles and feet. It also can affect the eyes, skin and urinary tract.

      Symptoms may be temporary. Some people have symptoms that return or last longer.

    • The symptoms of reactive arthritis can vary from person to person. They may range from mild to severe. 

      Common symptoms may include: 

      • Joint pain and stiffness
      • Swelling in the knees, ankles, or feet 
      • Heel pain caused by inflammation where tendons attach to bone 
      • Swollen fingers or toes 
      • Eye redness or inflammation
      • Blurred vision 
      • Plain or burning during urination 
      • Increased urinary frequency 
      • Skin rashes 
      • Mouth ulcers 
      • Fatigue 
      • Lower back pain 

      Symptoms often develop within 1 to 4 weeks after the infection that triggered them.  

      Without appropriate assessment and treatment, inflammation can continue and affect mobility, quality of life, and overall well being.

    • The causes of reactive arthritis are linked to infections that trigger an abnormal immune response. 

      Infections associated with reactive arthritis include some gastrointestinal infections and genitourinary infections. Gastrointestinal infections affect the digestive tract. Genitourinary infections affect the urinary tract or genital area.

      Common infections associated with reactive arthritis include: 

      • Salmonella 
      • Shigella 
      • Yersinia 
      • Campylobactor 
      • Chlamydia trachomatis 

      Not everyone who has one of these infections will develop reactive arthritis. Genetic factors may play a role. Some people who carry the HLA-B27 gene may have a higher risk. Symptoms may appear after the original infection has resolved, so patients may not immediately connect their joint symptoms with a previous illness.

    • You should seek specialist medical advice if you develop persistent joint pain, swelling, or stiffness following a recent infection. 

      You may benefit from a consultation with one of our rheumatology specialists if you experience: 

      • Painful or swollen joints
      • Heel pain that does not improve
      • Back pain that does not improve
      • Eye redness, pain or discomfort
      • Urinary symptoms with joint pain
      • Symptoms that continue for several weeks

      Early evaluation is important because many inflammatory joint conditions can have similar symptoms. A prompt reactive arthritis diagnosis can help guide treatment and reduce ongoing inflammation.

    • An accurate reactive arthritis diagnosis starts with a detailed clinical assessment. There is no single test that confirms reactive arthritis.

      At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, our rheumatology consultants may review: 

      • Your symptoms
      • Recent infections 
      • Medical history 
      • Your family history 
      • Findings from a physical examination 

      Diagnostic tests may include: 

      • Blood tests to assess inflammation 
      • Tests for previous or current infections 
      • HLA-B27 genetic testing, when appropriate 
      • Joint fluid analysis to help rule out other causes of arthritis 
      • X-rays 
      • Ultrasound imaging 
      • MRI scans, when indicated 

      Because reactive arthritis can share symptoms with other inflammatory joint diseases, careful evaluation is important. Your specialist will use your symptoms, test results, and imaging findings to help confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

    • Reactive arthritis treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, whether an infection is still present, and how much inflammation you have.

      Your personalised treatment plan may include: 

      • Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
      • Pain management strategies 
      • Antibiotics if an active infection is found
      • Corticosteroid injections for affected joints 
      • Physical therapy and rehabilitation 
      • Medicines that help control inflammation if symptoms are ongoing or more severe

      Our rheumatology specialists will tailor treatment to reduce inflammation, improve mobility, and support long-term joint health. 

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare London, patients benefit from internationally recognised expertise in rheumatology and inflammatory disease. 

      When you choose Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you benefit from: 

      • Experienced rheumatology consultants
      • Advanced diagnostic testing and imaging
      • Comprehensive reactive arthritis diagnosis
      • Personalised reactive arthritis treatment plans
      • Multidisciplinary collaboration across specialties
      • Consultant-led care focused on long-term wellbeing

      Our approach combines diagnostic precision, evidence-based treatment, and personalised care to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.

    Private health insurance for rheumatology treatment

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers to provide a private ECG in London, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA.

    If you do not have insurance, self-pay options are available, and our team will be happy to guide you through pricing and appointment arrangements.

    Book a reactive arthritis assessment

    If you are experiencing joint pain, swelling, or other symptoms of reactive arthritis, our rheumatology team is here to help. 

    We provide expert reactive arthritis diagnosis, advanced testing, and personalised reactive arthritis treatment plans designed around your individual needs. 

    ​Request an appointment today or call  +44 (0) 207 871 2575 to arrange your reactive arthritis consultation at Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Anna Nuttall, Consultant Rheumatologist

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