The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Reactive Arthritis (Reiter Syndrome)

Sterile joint inflammation following an infection elsewhere in the body.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department. Book Appointment →

What is Reactive Arthritis (Reiter Syndrome)?

Reactive arthritis (formerly Reiter syndrome) is a sterile inflammatory arthritis triggered by a remote infection, with no live microorganism in the joint. It belongs to the seronegative spondyloarthropathy group and is more common in young adult males.

The triggering infection is usually Chlamydia trachomatis urethritis or gastroenteritis caused by enteropathogens like Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, or Campylobacter. HLA-B27 positivity is an important genetic factor that increases both disease development and chronicity.

The classic triad of arthritis, urethritis, and conjunctivitis is seen in one-third of cases. Arthritis is typically asymmetric and oligoarticular in the lower extremities (knee, ankle). It begins 1-4 weeks after the infection.

Symptoms

Asymmetric oligoarthritis in the lower extremities (knee, ankle)
Dactylitis (sausage finger appearance)
Enthesopathy, especially Achilles tendon and plantar fascia
Urethritis and dysuria
Conjunctivitis or uveitis
Keratoderma blennorrhagicum (pustular rash on palms and soles)
Circinate balanitis (penile rash)
Fever, malaise, and weight loss

Risk Factors

HLA-B27 positivity
Recent gastrointestinal infection
History of Chlamydia urethritis
Male sex and young age
Multiple sexual partners
Exposure to Salmonella/Shigella outbreaks
Family history of spondyloarthropathy
HIV infection

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Joint pain after gastrointestinal or urinary tract infection
  • Sudden swelling and warmth in lower extremity
  • Joint pain with eye redness and pain
  • Sausage-like swelling in fingers
  • Coexisting back pain and heel pain
  • Joint symptoms within 1 month of an infection

Treatment Methods

01
Treatment of the triggering infection (especially antibiotics for Chlamydia)
02
NSAIDs as first-line therapy
03
Local corticosteroid injections (in monoarticular involvement)
04
Sulfasalazine in chronic disease
05
Methotrexate in resistant cases
06
TNF-alpha inhibitors in severe and chronic disease
07
Physiotherapy and joint protection
08
Ophthalmology and urology consultations

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları) Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Anaemia is a low haemoglobin level that reduces oxygen delivery, causing fatigue, pallor, and shortness of breath. It is not a disease itself but a sign of many underlying conditions. Most cases are correctable with appropriate diagnosis and treatment.

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Iron deficiency anaemia develops when dietary intake, absorption, or losses create an iron shortfall, most often affecting women and children. Identifying the underlying cause is the core of management, alongside iron replacement.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia, neurological symptoms, and cognitive impairment. Early treatment with intramuscular or oral B12 largely prevents irreversible complications.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Management

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hypertension is often called the silent killer because it progresses symptom-free for years and can damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes. Regular monitoring, lifestyle change, and evidence-based drug therapy dramatically reduce cardiovascular risk.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Chronic kidney disease is one of the most common complications of chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, and can be silent in its early stages.

Hepatitis B (HBV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis B is a DNA virus infection causing acute and chronic hepatitis with risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; diagnosis integrates HBsAg, HBeAg, anti-HBc, and HBV DNA with management based on disease phase using nucleos(t)ide analogues (entecavir, tenofovir) and universal infant vaccination.

Hepatitis C (HCV)

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Hepatitis C is an RNA virus causing chronic hepatitis that may progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma; modern direct-acting antiviral (DAA) pangenotypic regimens (sofosbuvir/velpatasvir, glecaprevir/pibrentasvir) achieve sustained virologic response over 95% in 8–12 weeks with universal adult screening and cure for nearly all patients.

Fatty Liver Disease

Dahiliye (İç Hastalıkları)

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely related to obesity and metabolic syndrome and is largely reversible with early treatment.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.