Reactive Arthritis Definition

Reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter’s syndrome, is a condition characterized by painful, swollen joints and is triggered by bacterial infection somewhere else in the body, typically the intestines, genitals, or urinary tract. Affected joints often include the knees, ankles, or feet, but inflammation can also occur in the eyes, skin, and urethra.

Treatment seeks to manage symptoms of the arthritis while also treating the underlying infection. With a combination of drug therapy and physical exercise, many patients become symptom-free within 12 months of initial onset.