What it is
Most people get better within a year. Some have symptoms that come back.
Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medicines, steroid injections, and antibiotics if the infection is still present. Physiotherapy can help joints recover.
Common signs
- Painful, swollen joints, often in the legs
- Pain in the heels or tendons
- Sore, red eyes
- Pain when peeing
- Lower back pain
- Tiredness or a mild fever
How it is usually diagnosed
- Questions about recent infections
- Blood and urine tests
- Swabs for sexually transmitted infections
- Sometimes fluid taken from the joint
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood, urine and swab results
- Rheumatology letters
- Prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which infection triggered this?
- Does my partner need testing?
- What can I do if it comes back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- A single hot, red, very painful joint with a fever, or a red painful eye with vision changes: get urgent help the same day
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.