Reiter's Syndrome & Hip Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Management

Reiter's syndrome, or reactive arthritis, is a medical condition that causes pain and swelling in the joints as well as inflammation of the eyes and urethra. Hip pain may occur if urethral inflammation or swelling of the hip joints occurs.

Symptoms

• According to the Mayo Clinic, pain from Reiter's syndrome may develop in the knees, ankles or feet. Other areas where pain presents in people with this condition includes the ower back and buttocks.

Causes

• Reactive arthritis, or Reiter's syndrome, is usually triggered by a bacterial infection in another part of the body such as a urinary tract, genital or intestinal infection.

Risk Factors

• Men between the ages of 20 and 40 have an increased risk of developing reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome.

Testing

• Doctors may test for reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome by conducting blood tests that check for signs of infection or inflammation. Other tests include checking joint fluid for infections.

Treatment

• Doctors may prescribe an antibiotic to kill the bacteria that triggers reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or aspirin provide pain relief and decrease inflammation.