Reactive Arthritis: Infectious Symptoms To Be Aware Of

Soft Tissue Inflammation

Some individuals with reactive arthritis may experience soft tissue inflammation where this tissue enters the bones. This condition, otherwise known as enthesitis, can include tissues like the ligaments, tendons, and muscles. In addition to reactive arthritis, soft tissue inflammation can be present with psoriatic arthritis. There are some common places that enthesitis may occur, including the bottom of the foot, backbone, elbow, toe, hip, knee, and heel. Patients may discover swelling around these areas along with pain from the inflammation. When individuals have soreness in the back of their heel because of enthesitis, this is a condition called plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinitis. This condition can make climbing stairs and running difficult.

Joint Stiffness And Pain

Like most forms of arthritis, reactive arthritis can present with joint stiffness and pain. This pain can occur in any joint throughout the body, but it's found more commonly in certain areas. Individuals with reactive arthritis often feel pain in their feet, ankles, and knees. These joints may become swollen and inflamed, and the connective tissues within and surrounding these joints may also be inflamed. Some patients experience pain in their heels or the backs of their calves due to plantar fasciitis. Reactive arthritis may cause the pain to spread up through an individual's lower back and buttocks, but it doesn't always do this. Their hands may become inflamed as well, but hand involvement is more common with other types of arthritis than reactive.