What is a common post-infectious complication associated with reactive arthritis?

Reactive arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition that typically arises following an infection in another part of the body, often involving the genitourinary or gastrointestinal systems. One of the most recognized post-infectious complications associated with reactive arthritis is urethritis. This is particularly relevant in cases where the underlying infection is related to sexually transmitted infections, such as Chlamydia or Gonorrhea, both of which can cause urethritis.

The inflammation of the joints in reactive arthritis usually occurs after the infection has resolved, and it can be accompanied by urethritis, which manifests as pain or discomfort during urination and may involve a discharge. The connection between the infection and the inflammatory response in the joints creates a scenario where the inflammation of the urethra and joints co-occurs.

In contrast, arthritis of the spine is more characteristic of spondyloarthritis rather than reactive arthritis specifically. Psoriatic lesions are associated with psoriatic arthritis, which is a different inflammatory disorder. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease, not directly linked to infectious processes or post-infectious complications. Thus, recognizing urethritis as a common post-infectious complication of reactive arthritis helps in identifying and managing the overall impact of the condition on the patient's