Once Reiter's syndrome is diagnosed, each aspect of the condition may be treated by a different specialist. A rheumatologist specializes in inflammatory diseases and may treat the arthritis. An ophthalmologist specializes in eye diseases and may treat the conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eyelid and lining of the eye). A gynecologist may treat any genital symptoms for women, and a urologist may treat urinary or genital symptoms for men or women.

The aim of treatment is to reduce the symptoms, prevent or limit joint damage and restore the function of damaged joints.

Several forms of medication are used to treat Reiter's syndrome. These include:

• Antibiotics. A bacterial infection, either from the original source or in the joints, eyes or genital system, may be treated with antibiotics. This may be in several forms, including oral, injection or eye drops. Some patients may require long courses of antibiotics (up to three months). However, the use of antibiotics without a known source of infection is controversial and usually not recommended.
  
  
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs are used to reduce pain and inflammation. They come in prescription and non-prescription forms. Some may affect renal or gastrointestinal function. COX-2 inhibitors may be prescribed if other NSAIDs are not effective.
  
  
• Corticosteroids. These anti-inflammatories may be given as pills or injections to reduce inflammation. If only a few joints are inflamed, a physician can give an injection. If many joints are inflamed, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed. Long-term use of corticosteroids can have many side effects, including osteoporosis and diabetes.
  
  
• Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). These drugs are more commonly prescribed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis but may be used for Reiter's syndrome patients who have not experienced relief from NSAIDs. Side effects include liver and kidney complications and repression of immune responses to infection.
  
  
• Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers. Protein blockers that inhibit the body's inflammatory response. This class of biologic response modifiers (BRMs) may help to reduce inflammation, pain and stiffness.

People with more damage to joints may also benefit from physical therapy to improve joint function and range-of-motion exercises and exercise programs that strengthen muscles and add support to the joints. Sometimes splints are needed to decrease joint pain.

Most people with Reiter's syndrome recover fully from the initial flare-up of symptoms and are able to return to regular activities within two to six months.

Prevention of Reiter's syndrome involves avoidance of the initial bacterial infections. Gastrointestinal infections may not be completely avoided, but they can be minimized by ensuring that food is stored at the proper temperatures (refrigerated when necessary) and cooked at temperatures high enough to kill any bacteria. People should ensure they handle uncooked food properly by not transmitting fluids from uncooked meat to the mouth or to other foods.

Reiter's syndrome triggered by chlamydia and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) may be prevented by practicing safe sex. These methods include limiting the number of sexual partners, always using latex condoms during sex and getting tested regularly for STDs.

Prompt treatment of the initial symptoms of infection (e.g., diarrhea, vomiting, unusual genital discharge) may prevent the progression of the infection to Reiter's syndrome.