Reactive Arthritis: Infectious Symptoms To Be Aware Of

Lower Back Pain

Some patients with reactive arthritis have reported lower back pain, which might radiate through the buttocks and down the legs. Alternatively, it might feel like pain in the legs is radiating upward through the back. Not everyone with reactive arthritis has lower back pain, and this pain will typically present with other symptoms of joint inflammation. When lower back pain is caused by reactive arthritis, it tends to become worse in the morning and at night. This may be because the pain gets worse when the back has been at rest for a while, such as when an individual relaxing in the evening or sleeping. When patients move in the morning after a period of rest, the pain flares up more intensely.

Sensitivity To Light

Reactive arthritis can lead to light sensitivity when it involves the eyes. Though not everyone experiences eye involvement, it is possible that the inflammation will cause issues with a patient's eyes. This is most commonly experienced, as mentioned, like conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the eyelids. If the inflammation causes uveitis, patients may experience symptoms including light sensitivity, blurry vision, redness, and pain. This condition involves an inflammation of the eye's vascular layer, otherwise known as the uvea. This tissue is located between the sclera and retina. In addition to reactive arthritis, uveitis can be caused by arthritis-like Behcet's disease, juvenile arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and ankylosing spondylitis.