Reiter’s syndrome, also known as reactive arthritis, is a type of arthritis that usually causes pain and swelling in the joints. Anyone can develop Reiter’s syndrome, but it’s most commonly seen in young men between the ages of 20 and 50. The condition often starts after an infection, like a urinary tract infection or an infection in the gut. When the body tries to fight the infection, it can mistakenly attack the joints, leading to inflammation. Classic Reiter’s syndrome involves a triad of symptoms: urethritis, conjunctivitis and arthritis. Not everyone who develops Reiter’s syndrome will experience all the symptoms, but arthritis can be the most debilitating. 

The good news is that in most cases, Reiter’s syndrome usually goes away on its own or with conservative treatments within a year. However, for some people, they may experience chronic symptoms or joint damage. Early intervention can help manage symptoms and prevent long-term complications.

Symptoms of Reiter’s syndrome

Reiter’s syndrome can cause a variety of symptoms affecting different parts of the body, including:

• Joint pain and swelling — This can be the most noticeable symptom. The joints, especially the knees, ankles and feet, can become painful, swollen and stiff. It may feel worse after periods of inactivity, like in the morning when you first wake up. 
• Eye problems — Some people with Reiter’s syndrome experience eye problems, such as:
• Conjunctivitis — Inflammation of the conjunctiva, causing redness, irritation and watery eyes
• Uveitis — Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, which can cause blurred vision, eye pain and sensitivity to light
• Urination pain — The infection that triggers reactive arthritis can also cause issues with urination. You may feel a burning sensation or pain when you pee, or notice an increased need to go. 
• Sores or rashes — Reactive arthritis can sometimes cause skin rashes or sores, especially on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. These can sometimes look like small red bumps. In addition to the hands and feet, some people develop sores that are similar to canker sores in their mouth. 
• Back pain — Pain and stiffness in the lower back may be experienced by some people who develop reactive arthritis. 
• Fatigue — If the symptoms affect the joints and cause discomfort, you’ll likely feel tired or worn out.

Symptoms usually appear a few weeks after an infection. Again, not everyone with Reiter’s syndrome will experience all of these symptoms. The severity of symptoms can also widely vary from person to person. 

Causes of Reiter’s syndrome

Reiter’s syndrome can be caused by an infection in another part of the body. It’s an autoimmune reaction to the infection, meaning the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissue. The following factors can trigger Reiter’s syndrome:

• Infections — While infections can trigger Reiter’s syndrome, not everyone who has an infection will get the disease. Infections that can trigger reactive arthritis include:
• Urinary tract infection — Often caused by bacteria like E. coli
• Sexually transmitted infection — Often triggered by Chlamydia trachomatis
• Gastrointestinal infection — Caused by bacteria like Salmonella, Shigella or Campylobacter
• Throat infection — Such as Streptococcus
• Genetics — One gene that may elevate the risk of developing reactive arthritis is called HLA-B27. This gene is found in many people with reactive arthritis, but having the gene doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it. 

How is Reiter’s syndrome diagnosed?

There isn’t a specific test for Reiter’s syndrome. Instead, doctors can diagnose it based on a combination of symptoms and test results. The diagnostic process may include:

• Physical exam — The first step in diagnosing Reiter’s syndrome is usually a physical exam. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and check for signs of inflammation. They may look at your joints to see if they’re swollen, red or warm. They’ll also ask if you’ve had any recent infections, like a urinary tract infection or food poisoning. 
• Medical history — Your doctor will want to know about your personal and family medical history. If you’ve recently had an infection or have a family member with an autoimmune condition, it could help your doctor figure out if your symptoms may be linked to Reiter’s syndrome. 
• Lab tests — Your doctor may do some lab tests to help confirm the diagnosis. One important test looks for the HLA-B27 gene. If you have this gene, you’re more likely to develop reactive arthritis, though having the gene alone doesn’t mean you definitely have the condition. Your doctor may also do blood tests to check for signs of inflammation in your body. 
• Imaging tests — In some cases, your doctor may order imaging tests to look for changes in your joints. These can help rule out other conditions and show if there’s any damage to your joints caused by arthritis. 
• Infection tests — Since Reiter’s syndrome can be caused by infections, your doctor may test for signs of infections like Chlamydia, Salmonella or Campylobacter. These infections can trigger reactive arthritis, so identifying one of these bacteria in your system may be the key needed to make a diagnosis. 
• Other tests — Sometimes, your doctor may also test your urine or stool to check for infections that could have triggered your symptoms. If your symptoms involve your eyes, they may also refer you to an eye doctor to rule out other eye conditions. 

It can take some time and several tests to diagnose your condition, but it’s important to catch it early. A diagnosis can help you get the right treatment to help you manage your symptoms and avoid potential complications. 

Treatment options for Reiter’s syndrome

Receiving a Reiter’s syndrome diagnosis doesn’t have to fill you with dread and fear, especially since there isn’t currently a cure. Even though it can be an uncomfortable condition to deal with, there are treatments available to help you manage your symptoms and help you feel better, including:

• Medications — One way to help treat Reiter’s syndrome is through medications. These can help reduce inflammation, ease pain and manage symptoms. Some medications your doctor may recommend or prescribe include:
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — NSAIDs are over-the-counter or prescription drugs, like ibuprofen or naproxen, that can help reduce swelling in the joints and pain. 
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) — If your symptoms are severe or lingering, your doctor may prescribe DMARDs. These drugs help slow down the progression of arthritis and prevent joint damage. 
• Antibiotics — If your reactive arthritis is triggered by an infection and the infection is still active, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection and help keep it from triggering arthritis symptoms. 
• Corticosteroids — In more serious cases, your doctor may recommend corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. These can either be in pill form or as an injection into the affected joint. 
• Physical therapy — Physical therapy can be a helpful treatment to keep your joints flexible and reduce stiffness. A physical therapist can create a personalized treatment plan that may include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, aquatic therapy or other techniques to help strengthen the muscles around the affected joints, improve your range of motion and provide pain relief. 
• Rest and activity modifications — It’s important to rest when your joints are inflamed or painful. However, you don’t want to stay in bed all day either. Gentle activities, like walking or swimming, can help keep you moving without putting too much strain on your joints. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you find the right balance between rest and movement. 
• Eye care — If Reiter’s syndrome affects your eyes, your doctor may recommend eye drops to help with irritation or redness. In more severe cases, you may need to see an eye specialist.
• Diet and lifestyle — Eating a balanced diet can also help support your overall health. Some people with reactive arthritis may find that certain foods or drinks trigger inflammation. Staying hydrated, eating anti-inflammatory foods and managing stress can also help keep your symptoms in check. 

Most of the time, Reiter’s syndrome gets better over time, helped with treatments like these. However, it’s essential to follow your doctor’s advice and keep track of your symptoms. Early treatment can help prevent long-term problems and get you back to feeling like yourself. 

Lattimore Physical Therapy can help you move beyond Reiter’s syndrome

At Lattimore PT, we understand how challenging experiencing Reiter’s syndrome can be, especially when it affects your ability to move freely and comfortably. Our team of experienced physical therapists is dedicated to providing personalized treatments tailored to your unique needs. By using a combination of effective approaches, we can help reduce your pain, improve your mobility and strengthen the muscles around your joints. We’re here to guide you on your path to better health and well-being. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.