Reactive Arthritis Care in Grand Rapids, Michigan

Reactive arthritis, previously known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a type of inflammatory arthritis that develops as a reaction to a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, it most commonly follows:

  • Certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • Digestive system infections (often related to food poisoning)

Local healthcare providers in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, regularly evaluate and treat patients with reactive arthritis and related joint conditions.

What Is Reactive Arthritis?

When you get an infection, your immune system activates to fight it. In reactive arthritis:

  • The original infection (in the gut or genitals/urinary tract) clears up
  • The immune system stays unusually active
  • This ongoing immune response triggers inflammation in the joints and other parts of the body, even though the joints themselves are not infected

Reactive arthritis most often affects:

  • Knees
  • Ankles
  • Feet

These joints can become swollen, stiff, and painful, making walking and daily activities difficult—especially challenging in icy West Michigan winters, when slips and falls can further stress painful joints.

Who Gets Reactive Arthritis?

Reactive arthritis can occur at any age, but it most often affects:

  • Adults 20–50 years old
  • Slightly more common in men

In the Grand Rapids area, sexually active adults and people who have recently had foodborne illness (for example, after eating undercooked poultry or contaminated food at gatherings, festivals, or tailgates) may be at higher risk if exposed to certain bacteria.

Is Reactive Arthritis Contagious?

  • Reactive arthritis itself is not contagious.
  • However, the bacteria that trigger it can be spread:
    • Through sexual contact (e.g., chlamydia)
    • Through contaminated food or water (e.g., Salmonella, Campylobacter)

This is why prompt treatment of infections and safe food handling are especially important, particularly during Michigan’s warmer months when outdoor grilling and picnics are common.

Symptoms of Reactive Arthritis

Symptoms usually develop 1–4 weeks after the initial infection. They can affect multiple parts of the body.

Joint and Back Symptoms

  • Pain, swelling, or stiffness in one or more joints (often:
    • Knees
    • Ankles
    • Feet
  • Pain in the lower back or buttocks
  • Pain and inflammation of tendons, such as:
    • Achilles tendon (back of the heel)
  • Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods

Eye Symptoms

Reactive arthritis can inflame parts of the eye, leading to:

  • Redness and pain in the eyes
  • Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the outer layer of the eye)
  • Uveitis or iritis (inflammation inside the eye), which can cause:
    • Eye pain
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Blurred vision

Eye inflammation is an emergency. In Grand Rapids, urgent eye symptoms should be evaluated quickly at:

  • An ophthalmology clinic (many are affiliated with Corewell Health or Trinity Health)
  • An urgent care or the emergency department if symptoms are severe

Skin, Mouth, and General Symptoms

  • Rash on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
  • Mouth ulcers
  • General fatigue and feeling unwell
  • Diarrhea (often before the joint symptoms begin)

Common Causes of Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is usually triggered by specific bacterial infections. Known triggers include:

Digestive (Gastrointestinal) Infections

Often related to food poisoning or contaminated food/water:

  • Salmonella
  • Shigella
  • Yersinia
  • Campylobacter

These bacteria can be contracted from:

  • Undercooked meat or poultry
  • Unpasteurized dairy
  • Poor food handling or cross-contamination
  • Contaminated water (including in some recreational water settings if not properly treated)

Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI)

  • Chlamydia trachomatis, a common STI, is a well-known cause

This is particularly relevant for sexually active adults in Grand Rapids. STI testing is available through:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Planned Parenthood and other local clinics
  • Primary care and OB/GYN practices throughout Grand Rapids

Genetic Risk Factor: HLA-B27

Some people carry a genetic marker called HLA-B27. This:

  • Increases the likelihood of developing reactive arthritis after certain infections
  • May increase the chance of recurrent episodes or more persistent disease

However:

  • Many people with HLA-B27 never develop reactive arthritis
  • Many people with reactive arthritis do not have HLA-B27

So HLA-B27 is a risk factor, not a cause by itself.

How Reactive Arthritis Is Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

There is no single test that proves you have reactive arthritis. Instead, your Grand Rapids doctor (often a primary care physician, internist, or rheumatologist) will combine:

Medical History

Your provider will ask about:

  • Recent diarrhea or food poisoning
  • Recent STI symptoms (e.g., discharge, burning with urination)
  • Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Back or heel pain
  • Eye redness or pain
  • Skin rashes or mouth ulcers
  • Family history of arthritis or autoimmune diseases

Physical Examination

They will check:

  • Joints (swelling, warmth, range of motion)
  • Spine and sacroiliac joints (lower back and buttocks)
  • Eyes (redness, pain)
  • Skin (rashes on hands, feet)
  • Mouth (ulcers)

Laboratory Tests

Your Grand Rapids provider may order:

  • Blood tests to look for:
    • Signs of inflammation (ESR, CRP)
    • HLA-B27 marker
    • Other causes of arthritis
  • Urine or stool samples to check for infection
  • Swabs of the:
    • Throat
    • Penis
    • Vagina
      to look for chlamydia or other infections

Joint Fluid Analysis (Arthrocentesis)

In some cases, a sample of joint fluid is taken using a needle:

  • To rule out other causes like gout or joint infection
  • The fluid is examined in a laboratory

Imaging

  • X-rays or other imaging (like ultrasound or MRI) may be used to:
    • Look for signs of arthritis
    • Assess joint damage or inflammation in the spine or sacroiliac joints

If your case is complex, your primary care doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist at one of the major Grand Rapids health systems.

How Long Does Reactive Arthritis Last?

For many people:

  • Symptoms improve over several months
  • The condition often resolves within 6–12 months

However:

  • Some people have lingering symptoms
  • Others may have flare-ups over time
  • A small group may develop chronic arthritis or back pain

Early diagnosis and treatment in Grand Rapids can help reduce complications and protect joint health.

Treatment for Reactive Arthritis in Grand Rapids

Goals of Treatment

There is no cure that instantly eliminates reactive arthritis, but medical care aims to:

  • Control pain and inflammation
  • Treat the underlying infection
  • Protect joints and prevent damage
  • Maintain mobility and function

Most treatment plans are managed by:

  • Primary care doctors
  • Rheumatologists
  • With support from physical therapists, ophthalmologists, and other specialists

1. Treating the Underlying Infection

If an active infection is still present, your doctor may prescribe:

  • Antibiotics to kill the bacteria that caused:
    • The STI (e.g., chlamydia)
    • The gastrointestinal infection

Important points:

  • Antibiotics treat the infection, but do not directly treat joint inflammation once reactive arthritis has developed.
  • If your reactive arthritis is related to Chlamydia trachomatis:
    • Your sexual partner(s) must also be treated to prevent reinfection.
    • STI testing and partner notification services are available through the Kent County Health Department and local clinics.

2. Medications for Pain and Inflammation

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

These are often the first-line treatment for joint pain and swelling:

  • Examples: ibuprofen, naproxen, prescription-strength NSAIDs
  • Help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation

Your Grand Rapids provider will discuss safe use, especially if you have:

  • Kidney disease
  • Stomach ulcers
  • Heart disease

Corticosteroids

If symptoms are more severe, your doctor may recommend:

  • Corticosteroid tablets
  • Injections directly into a joint, muscle, or soft tissue

These are strong anti-inflammatory medications that can provide significant relief but are usually used short-term due to potential side effects.

Disease-Modifying Anti-Rheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

If reactive arthritis:

  • Lasts a long time, or
  • Causes ongoing, significant symptoms

Your rheumatologist may prescribe a DMARD, such as:

  • Sulfasalazine
  • Methotrexate (in some cases)

DMARDs:

  • Help control the overactive immune system
  • Reduce pain and inflammation
  • May prevent or limit joint damage

These medications require regular monitoring, usually done through local hospital systems and outpatient labs in Grand Rapids.

Eye Involvement: Uveitis Requires Specialist Care

If you develop uveitis or iritis (inflammation inside the eye), this is a serious condition that can threaten your vision if not treated promptly.

Treatment may include:

  • Steroid eye drops or ointments
  • Other medications prescribed by an ophthalmologist

In Grand Rapids, your primary care provider or rheumatologist can refer you to:

  • An ophthalmologist within Corewell Health, Trinity Health, or other local eye care practices

Seek urgent care if you notice:

  • Eye pain
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light
  • New or worsening redness in one or both eyes

Physical Therapy and Exercise in West Michigan

Physiotherapy

A physical therapist can help you:

  • Maintain or improve joint mobility
  • Strengthen muscles, tendons, and ligaments
  • Learn safe ways to move, especially on snow and ice during Michigan winters

Physical therapy services are widely available in Grand Rapids through:

  • Hospital-based rehab centers
  • Independent physical therapy clinics

Low-Impact Exercise

Staying active is important for managing reactive arthritis. Helpful options include:

  • Walking (using proper footwear, especially in winter)
  • Stationary cycling
  • Water aerobics or swimming in local indoor pools or fitness centers
  • Gentle stretching or yoga

Always talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if your joints are very painful or swollen.

Self-Management: Living with Reactive Arthritis in Grand Rapids

Along with medical treatment, there are many ways you can help manage your condition.

Learn About Your Condition

Understanding reactive arthritis helps you:

  • Make informed decisions about your care
  • Recognize early signs of flare-ups
  • Work as a partner with your healthcare team

Reliable information can be found through:

  • Your Grand Rapids healthcare provider
  • National arthritis organizations
  • Educational materials provided by local health systems

Work Closely with Your Healthcare Team

Stay in regular contact with:

  • Your primary care doctor
  • Your rheumatologist
  • Other specialists (ophthalmologist, physical therapist)

Update them if:

  • Your symptoms change or worsen
  • You have side effects from medications
  • You are struggling to stay active or work
  • You feel anxious, depressed, or overwhelmed by your condition

Mental health support is available throughout Grand Rapids via counseling centers and behavioral health services within major hospital systems.

Stay Physically Active

Regular physical activity can:

  • Reduce pain and stiffness
  • Improve sleep quality
  • Boost energy levels
  • Support a healthy weight (important for reducing joint strain)

During cold, snowy Grand Rapids winters, consider:

  • Indoor walking tracks or malls
  • Home exercise equipment (stationary bike, treadmill)
  • Local gyms and community centers with indoor pools

Eat a Balanced Diet

A healthy diet can:

  • Support your immune system
  • Help you maintain a healthy weight
  • Improve overall wellbeing

Focus on:

  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Lean proteins (fish, poultry, beans)
  • Healthy fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds)

Limiting highly processed foods and excess sugar may help some people feel better overall.

Learn Ways to Manage Pain

Non-medication strategies can be very helpful, including:

  • Heat packs to relax tight muscles and ease joint stiffness
  • Cold packs to reduce swelling and numb sharp pain
  • Gentle stretching and low-impact exercise
  • Short-term use of pain medications as directed by your provider

Ask your Grand Rapids provider or physical therapist which methods are best for your specific symptoms.

Use Relaxation Strategies

Stress can worsen pain perception. Helpful relaxation techniques include:

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Listening to calming music
  • Progressive muscle relaxation
  • Gentle walks along the Grand River or in local parks when you’re able
  • Mindfulness or meditation apps

Try different methods to see what works best for you.

Staying at Work or School

When possible, remaining at work or school is beneficial for your:

  • Mental health
  • Financial stability
  • Sense of purpose

Talk with your doctor and employer about:

  • Temporary job modifications
  • Ergonomic adjustments
  • Flexible schedules or remote work options (especially helpful during flare-ups or bad weather)

Local and Public Health Considerations in Grand Rapids

Because reactive arthritis often follows infections, public health measures in Kent County play a role in prevention:

  • Food safety: Proper cooking and food handling at home, restaurants, and community events
  • STI prevention: Safe sex practices, regular screening, and prompt treatment
  • Vaccinations and routine care: Staying connected with a primary care provider

Resources include:

  • Kent County Health Department – for STI testing, food safety information, and community health programs
  • Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – offering education and preventive care

When to Seek Medical Help in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider promptly if you have:

  • Joint pain and swelling that lasts more than a few days
  • New or worsening back or heel pain
  • Red, painful, or light-sensitive eyes
  • Persistent diarrhea or symptoms of an STI
  • A history of recent infection followed by joint problems

In Grand Rapids, you can seek care from:

  • Your primary care physician or family doctor
  • Urgent care centers
  • Rheumatology clinics at Corewell Health, Trinity Health, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Emergency departments if symptoms are severe (especially eye pain or sudden severe joint pain with fever)

Key Points About Reactive Arthritis in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory arthritis that develops after certain bacterial infections, especially STIs and foodborne illnesses.
  • The knees, feet, and ankles are most commonly affected and can become swollen and painful.
  • Many people improve and recover within 6–12 months, but some have longer-lasting or recurrent symptoms.
  • Treatment in Grand Rapids focuses on:
    • Treating the underlying infection
    • Reducing joint and eye inflammation
    • Protecting joint function with medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes
  • Uveitis (eye inflammation) requires urgent specialist treatment from an ophthalmologist.
  • Working closely with your Grand Rapids healthcare team, staying active, managing pain, and using local resources can help you maintain quality of life while living with reactive arthritis.