How effective is anti-inflammatory medication for reactive arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is joint inflammation that follows an infection elsewhere in the body. Anti-inflammatory medication can calm pain, stiffness, and swelling while the joints recover. It does not by itself clear an infection, and it may not be enough when symptoms are severe, prolonged, or involve several joints.

The treatment plan depends on the suspected trigger, whether infection is still present, the joints and tendons affected, and your general health. Eye irritation, urinary or genital symptoms, bowel symptoms, skin changes, and fever should be mentioned because they help guide assessment.

Tell your clinician when the illness or symptoms began, what treatment you received, and whether joint symptoms are spreading. Mention ulcers, kidney or heart disease, high blood pressure, asthma reactions, pregnancy, allergies, and all medicines. Follow the recommended dose and avoid taking several anti-inflammatory products together.

Rest during the sharpest phase, then use gradual movement and physiotherapy to prevent stiffness and rebuild strength. Keep notes on swelling, mobility, fever, and medicine effects. More information is available in [Anti-Inflammatory Medication](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/anti-inflammatory-medication/).

Seek urgent assessment for a hot swollen joint with fever, severe illness, inability to move a joint, or rapidly worsening pain. Get prompt eye care for a red painful eye, light sensitivity, or vision change. Emergency help is needed for trouble breathing, facial swelling, chest pain, vomiting blood, or black stools after medicine.

Ask whether the original infection needs treatment, how long symptom relief should take, which medicine suits your health history, when physiotherapy should begin, and what follow-up is needed if symptoms persist.