Ace Physiotherapy and Sports in Singapore
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+65 81535374 -
ACE PHYSIO SPORTS
East gate Building, 46 East Coast Road
#08-03 Singapore 428766 -
Opening Hours
Mon to Fri: 08:00am - 8:00pm -
Opening Hours
Sat: 08:00am - 4:00pm
Sunday (By prior appointment)
Reactive Arthritis
What is reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can develop after an infection, such as a cold or flu. While it can affect anyone, it most commonly occurs in younger people under the age of forty and may have a genetic link. Reactive arthritis can cause symptoms including joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, which can impact your daily activities and lifestyle.
Unlike other forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, reactive arthritis typically lasts up to six months while the underlying infection resolves. During this period, it is important to stay as active as possible and manage your symptoms effectively. Physiotherapy can help you control your condition and reduce its impact on your daily routine. At acephysiosports.com, our experienced physiotherapists will work with you to develop a personalised treatment programme designed to optimise your recovery from reactive arthritis.
What are the symptoms of reactive arthritis?
Reactive arthritis can cause a variety of symptoms, which may differ from person to person. Your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will work with you to set personalised goals that guide your treatment programme.
- Joint pain and stiffness – often affecting knees, ankles, and feet.
- Swelling – in the affected joints, sometimes causing redness and warmth.
- Heel pain – particularly at the Achilles tendon or the bottom of the foot.
- Lower back pain – inflammation of the spine or sacroiliac joints.
- Eye inflammation – redness, pain, or sensitivity to light (conjunctivitis or uveitis).
- Urinary symptoms – discomfort or increased frequency if the urinary tract was involved.
- Fatigue – feeling unusually tired during flare-ups.
How is reactive arthritis diagnosed?
There is no single test that can confirm reactive arthritis. Doctors usually rely on a combination of factors, including your symptoms and blood test results, to make a diagnosis.
- Physical examination – assessing joint tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.
- Blood tests – to check for markers of inflammation (e.g., ESR, CRP) and rule out other conditions.
- Urine tests – to detect recent infections that may trigger reactive arthritis.
- Joint fluid analysis – to examine fluid from affected joints and exclude other causes of arthritis.
- Imaging tests – such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound to detect joint inflammation or damage.
How will physiotherapy help with reactive arthritis?
Physiotherapy can support recovery from reactive arthritis in several ways. Your treatment programme will be personalised to address your specific symptoms and help you return to your normal daily activities.
- Pain relief – using gentle techniques and exercises to reduce discomfort.
- Improved joint mobility – maintaining and enhancing flexibility in affected joints.
- Muscle strengthening – supporting muscles around inflamed joints to improve function.
- Posture and movement training – correcting alignment and movement patterns to reduce joint strain.
- Energy and fatigue management – pacing activities and balancing rest with exercise.
- Return to daily activities – gradually restoring independence and functional ability.
- Education and self-management – teaching strategies to manage flare-ups and prevent further discomfort.
What physiotherapy will be used for reactive arthritis?
Your physiotherapy programme at acephysiosports.com will be tailored to your current symptoms and adapted by your physiotherapist at each session. You will be actively involved in your treatment, helping to set goals and targets that guide your personalised programme.
- Range of motion exercises – to maintain and improve flexibility in affected joints.
- Strengthening exercises – to support muscles around inflamed joints.
- Manual therapy – hands-on techniques to reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
- Posture and movement training – correcting alignment and movement patterns to reduce strain.
- Low-impact aerobic exercises – such as swimming or cycling to maintain overall fitness without stressing joints.
- Hydrotherapy – gentle exercises in water to reduce joint load while improving mobility.
- Education and self-management – guidance on activity pacing, flare-up management, and safe exercise routines.
Summary
Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory condition caused by an infection elsewhere in the body. Symptoms may include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and general fatigue. The condition typically lasts up to six months, making it important to manage symptoms effectively during this period. Physiotherapy is a highly effective way to achieve this. At acephysiosports.com, our experienced physiotherapists will create a personalised treatment programme designed to optimise your recovery. To book an appointment, call us today on +65 81535374 or schedule your session online.
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Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis
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