Joint Pain & Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted through the bite of an infected deer tick. The symptoms often mimic those of other common illnesses, making diagnosis difficult. One of the most frequently reported symptoms is arthritic-like joint pain.

The Inflammatory Response

• According to the American Lyme Disease Association, Lyme disease produces an inflammatory response that spreads to the joints in later stages of the disease.

Early Stage Joint Involvement

• People who have contracted Lyme disease may have joint pain in the early stages but not think it is severe enough to warrant a doctor's visit or suspect that Lyme disease may be the culprit.

Late Stage Joint Involvement

• In the later stages, the joint pain may worsen into arthritic-like pain, stiffness and swelling of the joints.

Testing

• When the disease advances to this later stage, the physician may suggest a polymerase chain reaction test, via a spinal tap, to check for the presence of the bacterium that causes the disease.

Treatment

• Treatment largely depends on the stage of the disease. If arthritic joint pain is present, oral antibiotics are usually prescribed, or intravenous administration for four to six weeks may be recommended.