Prognosis
Most people with reactive arthritis recover fully from the initial flare of symptoms and are able to return to regular activities 2 to 6 months after the first symptoms appear. In such cases, the symptoms of arthritis may last up to 12 months, although these are usually very mild and do not interfere with daily activities.
Chronic Arthritis
Approximately 20 percent of people with reactive arthritis will have chronic (long-term) arthritis, which usually is mild.
Studies show that between 15 and 50 percent of patients will develop symptoms again sometime after the initial flare has disappeared. It is possible that such relapses may be due to reinfection. Back pain and arthritis are the symptoms that most commonly reappear.
A small percentage of patients will have chronic, severe arthritis that is difficult to control with treatment and may cause joint deformity.
