Reiter's Syndrome Treatments

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 © 2026 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.