Treatment
There is no cure for Reiter’s syndrome. However, early treatment of the infection may slow or stop the course of the disease. Most patients recover from the initial episode within six months. But some develop a mild, chronic arthritis. Some patients suffer from additional bouts of the disorder.
Treatment aims to relieve symptoms and may include:
Bed Rest
Short-term bed rest to take strain off the joints
Exercise
This includes:
- Gentle range-of-motion to improve flexibility
- Strengthening to build muscles that can better support the joints
- Physical therapy with specific exercises to keep muscles strong and joints moving
Protecting the Joints
This includes:
- Assistive devices as recommended by your doctor
- Occupational therapy to learn how to take it easy on joints during daily activities
Medications
Your doctor may prescribe some of the following:
-
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as:
- Aspirin
- Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
- Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine)
- Steroid injections into the inflamed joint
- Topical steroid creams applied to skin lesions
- In some cases, antibiotics to treat the triggering infection
-
Immunosuppressive drugs (drugs that decrease the immune system’s ability to function):
- Azathioprine (Imuran)
- Methotrexate
- Eye drops
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2012 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.
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