Reactive Arthritis Versus Reiter's Syndrome

What should this disease be called? Should a physician convicted of war crimes against people under his care be honored by calling a disease after him?

Reactive arthritis is also known as Reiter's Syndrome, arthritis urethritica, venereal arthritis and polyarteritis enterica.

It is an autoimmune condition that develops in response to an infection in another part of the body (cross-reactivity). Bacterial infections often trigger the disease.

Reactive arthritis has symptoms similar to various other conditions collectively known as "arthritis". By the time the patient experiences symptoms, oftentimes the "trigger" infection has been cured or is in remission in chronic cases.

The manifestations of reactive arthritis include the following triad of symptoms: an inflammatory arthritis of large joints, commonly including the knee and the back (due to involvement of the sacroiliac joint), inflammation of the eyes in the form of conjunctivitis, which is inflammation of the outer layer of the eye, or uveitis, which is inflammation of the middle layers of the eye, and urethritis in men or cervicitis in women. Patients may also have lesions on the mucus membranes of the skin, as well as psoriasis-like skin lesions. There may also be inflammation where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heal bone, resulting in heel pain. Not all affected persons have all the manifestations (Source: Mayo Clinic ).

The question of what to call this syndrome stems from the fact Hans Conrad Julius Reiter (February 26, 1881 - November 25, 1969), who was a German physician, described the syndrome in 1916. Reiter was not the first person to describe this condition but he was an energetic and long lived self-promoter, and the name Reiter's Syndrome eventually caught on.

Reiter was also an enthusiastic supporter of the Nazi regime. He wrote a well known book on racial hygiene. He designed typhus inoculation experiments that killed more than 250 prisoners at concentration camps, like Buchenwald. He was later convicted of war crimes for his medical experiments at the concentration camp at Buchenwald.

In 1977, appalled by his war crimes, a group of doctors began a campaign for the term "Reiter's Syndrome" to be abandoned and renamed "reactive arthritis." In the last few years, the campaign to change the name to reactive arthritis has met with considerable success.

Personally, I already favored the term reactive arthritis, because I found that it enabled me to get better medical care. Now, having recently learned more about the name change campaign, I have one more reason to favor the name reactive arthritis. Thank you to Don Taylor who recently wrote me about Dr. Reiter's history, of which I was previously unaware.

How to Find an Effective Treatment for Osteoarthritis

Older individuals who begin to find that they have stiffness or pain within certain joints of the body may want to see their physician for a formal diagnosis. If, as is likely, they are found to be suffering from osteoarthritis, they can begin to develop a treatment plan that will allow them to remain active and independent for a considerable amount of time. Their doctor may ultimately recommend a number of different activities for managing the joint paint. By sticking to the plan that has been devised for them, they should eventually find some relief.

Exercise can do wonders for joint pain and may in fact be the focal point of any effective osteoarthritis treatment regimen. Even if men and women have not committed themselves to physical activity for years, they should at least attempt to do a bit of walking a few days per week. As they gradually build up their cardiovascular systems, they should find themselves more willing to take on longer distances. They may even progress to the point where they would like to try swimming, jogging, or even running. The greater point here, of course, is that sufferers of arthritis can actually boost their flexibility and prevent further joint damage by becoming just a little more active. This is something that everyone should shoot for.

Closely in tune with the idea of exercise is the notion that weight loss will provide significant benefits to those who suffer from arthritis. For example, moderate weight loss can reduce stress on the knees and hips, and this is often where bone degeneration is found. By eating healthier, men and women will often find that the amount of weight they can lose is rather surprising. Sugary snacks should be cut out of the diet and replaced with fruits and vegetables whenever possible. As long as individuals have a drive to drop some weight, they should find success, which will show itself through less frequent joint discomfort.

In some cases, if a certain joint has fallen into total disrepair, individuals might opt for some kind of replacement surgery. Modern medicine has bestowed upon the wider populace a range of incredible benefits, and the ability to rather easily switch out a hip or a knee is one of these. People who choose to have one of these operations should meet with a good surgeon for an idea of what to expect. With an amiable support group of family members and friends, they can pursue a quick recovery. In the aftermath, they'll be able to get around without much pain at all.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only and is not, nor is it ever intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice or professional recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician(s) or other qualified healthcare provider(s).

Joint Pain May Cause Fatigue

What causes Joint Pain Fatigue? The answer is anything from a sprained ankle to lupus. There are many conditions between the two, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, herniated disc, degenerative disc disease, etc., etc. The one thing they have in common is PAIN. I think we can all agree with that statement. Therefore I think we can safely say joint pain can cause fatigue.

If your body is experiencing pain you are using energy tiring to compensate for it. The muscles tense up, respiration increases or decreases which consumes energy. In addition you do not eat properly, so you do not get the proper nutrition that supplies your body with the essential muscular enhancements that help control pain.

Exercising is out of the question when you are experiencing severe pain.

Sleep patterns may be interrupted. You may wake up at different times of the night if your body is experiencing pain. Sometimes a person may have to sleep in a recliner or chair because of the pain caused when laying horizontally. When sleeping in a vertical position the body can suffer from fluid retention, which causes weight gain, even if you are eating properly. This fluid could become life threatening should it settle around your heart or lungs.

Your thought patterns are effected which could result in anger or depression. This could lead to arguments with friends and family members. You may even have passing thoughts of suicide if the pain is serve enough. Get help immediately should the thought of suicide become persistent

The list is endless. I should know because it happened to myself. So let's get you out of pain and get some relief.

Below is a short list to help get you on your way.

1. Go visit your doctor. If you are not getting the proper results from your primary care provider, visit another one. Keep searching until you find one that can help.

2. Eat properly, try to avoid processed foods and eat an abundant supply of vegetables, fruits and nuts. Your doctor can assist you in selecting the proper diet that would be the most beneficial for you.

3. Exercise, I know that sounds scary but do as much as you can comfortably do. Don't over do it. Start out slow and built up as you go along.

4. If you smoke, quit. There are many alternative methods to help you these days.

5. Sleep and rest. Try to establish a regular sleep pattern that you can follow each and every night the same way.

6. A good primary care provider can help you with the suggestions I mentioned above. Write any questions down that you may have before you go, so you will not forget to ask when you arrive.

7. Pray, even if you don't believe, why not just act (as if) there was a God. You just might be surprised. with the results you get.

http://www.jointpain-fatigue.org We are dedicated to helping people with different kinds of joint pain afflictions. We pride ourselves on describing the many symptoms of all the various conditions that can cause joint pain and fatigue. We explore conventional and natural ways to help ease your pain. We welcome comments and other authors to voice there opinion in these matters. The primary goal is to help each other. Thank you and please visit.