Lyme disease can cause migratory joint pain, accompanied by swelling, tenderness, stiffness, fatigue, and flu-like symptoms. Often referred to as Lyme arthritis, it can develop in those who have been infected by Lyme disease — whether they have previously sought treatment or not. This is different from other types of arthritis and alternative treatments are often the best fit for finding healing.
If you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease and are now dealing with joint pain, you may be wondering if the two are connected. While joint pain isn’t always one of the first symptoms experienced, it can appear in later stages and take a toll on one’s health.
This article explores the early signs and symptoms of Lyme disease joint pain.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria and is transmitted by ticks. Once they bite, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and begin impacting many areas of the body.
With immediate treatment, a round of antibiotics is usually all that is needed to get over the infection. For some, however, Lyme disease can stick around with symptoms that progress over time. This is when joint pain often becomes disruptive.
Here’s what you need to know about the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease joint pain.
Lyme Disease Joint Pain
Lyme disease can initially show up as a “bullseye” rash on the skin. While it also has a long list of other symptoms, joint pain doesn’t usually kick in right away. Most often it is found in later stages of the illness.
Lyme disease joint pain, often referred to as Lyme arthritis, can be persistent and severe enough to impact one’s quality of life.
Let’s take a look at the symptoms.
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease comes with a long list of symptoms — some due to the initial infection and others due to late Lyme that either went untreated or didn’t respond to treatment.
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- Red rash
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Swollen glands or lymph nodes
- Fatigue
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If you notice any of these signs, you must get checked by a medical professional. The earlier you seek treatment, the better.
Lyme Disease Joint Pain Symptoms
Once you reach this late symptom of Lyme disease, joint pain can appear in different areas throughout the body. Sometimes, it only affects one joint, whereas others end up with pain in multiple joints, including:
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- Jaw
- Shoulder
- Elbow
- Wrist
- Hip
- Knee
- Ankle
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The most common area where Lyme disease joint pain appears is in the knees.
So, what is it that the joint feels? How do you know it is ailing? While it may vary from patient to patient, the most reported symptoms are joints that are:
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- Swollen
- Red
- Stiff
- Painful
- Warm to the touch
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Early Signs of Lyme Disease Joint Pain
How do you know if you have early signs of Lyme disease joint pain?
Sometimes, this pain can migrate from joint to joint, rather than remain in one location. The area may be tender when touched and stiff after periods of inactivity. Those with the onset of Lyme disease joint pain may also still experience fatigue and flu-type symptoms, such as fever, chills, and headaches.
These are often referred to as flares that can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to a few months. Without treatment, it can return.
Treating Lyme Disease Joint Pain
Lyme disease is often treated with antibiotics. Research shows that a round or two of antibiotics at the onset can usually provide the relief needed from the infection. Certain antibiotics, such as Doxycycline, are known to treat most patients. However, they do not always work for everyone.
Some patients move on to additional symptoms, such as joint pain.
Alternative treatment should be sought to effectively find relief.
Risk Factors for Lyme Arthritis
Risk factors for Lyme arthritis are those who are at risk of contracting Lyme disease in the first place. After all, you will not find yourself dealing with this joint pain if you never come down with the infection.
A few risk factors include those who:
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- Live in an area where ticks are prevalent, such as the northeastern, mid-Atlantic, and north-central regions of the United States.
- Work outdoors, especially in wooded areas or in landscaping.
- Enjoy spending time outdoors, such as camping, gardening, hiking, and the like.
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While you can find ticks in these areas during all seasons, it is important to note that their most active time of year is during the spring and fall. Participating in outdoor activities during this time can increase your risk.
Lyme Disease Joint Pain vs. Other Conditions
Knowing the best way to treat joint pain means knowing exactly what type of joint pain you are dealing with. Other conditions impact the joints that are not at all related to Lyme disease. So, how do you tell the difference?
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- Osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis typically involves weight-bearing joints, such as the hips and knees. The pain usually worsens with activity.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis. You can expect rheumatoid arthritis to involve symmetrical joint pain. Further, bloodwork will reveal that the rheumatoid factor is present.
- Gout. Intense joint pain that comes on suddenly, gout often starts in the big toe. It, too, can be uncovered in bloodwork as uric acid levels will be elevated.
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A previous Lyme disease diagnosis, potential for Lyme disease, and joint pain that doesn’t include any of the above may be linked to this late Lyme symptom.
Find Relief From Lyme Disease Joint Pain
Joint pain can feel debilitating at times, making it challenging just to complete everyday tasks. Thankfully, help is available. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, and find alternate treatments that will give you the relief you have been hoping for.
At Lyme Mexico, Dr. Omar Morales and our clinic staff specialize in treating patients with late-Lyme symptoms, such as joint pain. Using different modalities and alternative treatments, you can once again live life pain-free.
Schedule a consultation today!
Conclusion
Lyme disease can seemingly appear when you least expect it. While prompt treatment is usually all that is needed, its later-stage impact on the joints can be painful and debilitating.
Living with Lyme disease joint pain is not the only answer. Help is available.