Reactive Arthritis

Reactive arthritis is an immune-mediated joint disease that emerges in the aftermath of a gastrointestinal or genitourinary infection, turning a transient illness into a prolonged inflammatory response. Although once referred to as Reiter’s syndrome, modern usage favours the broader and more accurate term reactive arthritis, acknowledging both its diverse triggers and the evolving understanding of its pathophysiology. The condition typically presents with acute pain and swelling in the large joints of the lower limbs, often accompanied by inflammation of the eyes, tendons, or mucous membranes, creating a constellation of symptoms that can be both disruptive and diagnostically challenging.