In addition, people with Reiter's syndrome may experience inflammation in areas where tendons connect to bones, as in the heels. The joint involvement of Reiter's syndrome tends to follow one of two courses. A small percentage of people have continuing joint involvement that is constant. Most people, however, have periodic attacks of arthritis that last from three to six months. After the first attack, almost half of those with Reiter's will never have another attack.
Statistics are similar after the second attack.
But with subsequent attacks, it is more likely that the disease will become a permanent form of arthritis. In most cases, the joint inflammation that is associated with Reiter's syndrome does not lead to permanent joint damage or disability. About 40 percent of people with Reiter's experience conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the membranes under the eyelids, early in the disease process. Conjunctivitis may be so mild that it's hardly noticed, or it may be painful and accompanied by secretions. Fortunately, it usually is short-lived and rarely causes permanent damage.