Adults
Reactive arthritis (persistent or recurrent)
Asymmetric lower-limb arthritis 1–4 weeks after a GI or GU infection that persists beyond about 6 weeks or keeps recurring.
What to look for
- Asymmetric oligoarthritis of the legs, enthesitis, dactylitis
- Follows enteric infection (Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, Yersinia) or Chlamydia
- Conjunctivitis, urethritis, oral ulcers or keratoderma
What to do
- NSAIDs are first-line. Most cases settle within weeks to months.
- Screen for STIs after GU symptoms. Check ESR, CRP and HLA-B27.
- Refer if swelling persists beyond about 6 weeks without clear improvement, recurs, involves the eye (urgent ophthalmology), or the diagnosis is uncertain.
About this urgency level
Specialist evaluation helps, but these are usually less time-sensitive than new inflammatory arthritis or connective tissue disease.
Timeframes are typical targets. Local pathways, capacity and clinical judgment come first.