What Is Lyme Arthritis

Lyme Arthritis: A Late Symptom of Lyme Disease

What is Lyme Arthritis?

Lyme arthritis is a late symptom of Lyme disease caused by the bite of an infected tick. It typically affects the knee joint, but can also affect other large joints such as the elbows, wrists, and ankles.

Symptoms of Lyme Arthritis

The main symptom of Lyme arthritis is joint pain and swelling. The joint may also be warm to the touch and red. Other symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Trouble sleeping

Diagnosis of Lyme Arthritis

Lyme arthritis is diagnosed based on a physical examination and blood tests. The blood tests can detect antibodies to the Lyme disease bacteria. In some cases, a joint aspiration may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Lyme Arthritis

Lyme arthritis is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic and the duration of treatment will depend on the severity of the infection. In most cases, symptoms improve within a few weeks of starting treatment. However, some people may experience long-term joint pain and stiffness.

Prevention of Lyme Arthritis

The best way to prevent Lyme arthritis is to avoid tick bites. This can be done by wearing long sleeves and pants when in wooded areas, using insect repellent, and checking for ticks after being outdoors. If you find a tick on your skin, remove it promptly with tweezers.