Lyme arthritis is caused by Borrelia bacteria transmitted through tick bites and can lead to joint pain, swelling, and inflammation. Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs are used to treat it, but chronic Lyme disease may occur. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent joint damage.
Lyme arthritis is a joint disease caused by infection with Borrelia bacteria. People infected with these bacteria are sometimes said to have Lyme disease. Treatment for Lyme arthritis includes giving antibiotics to kill the bacteria, combined with anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling and make the patient more comfortable. Research has suggested that some people develop what is known as chronic Lyme disease, in which the disease comes back cyclically rather than being eliminated with treatment.
These bacteria are introduced into the body through tick bites. The disease is named after Lyme, Connecticut, where the first cluster of cases was observed. Joint pain, swelling, inflammation, and irritation are a hallmark of Lyme disease. Lyme arthritis can be seen in people of any age. If the bacteria persist in the body untreated, other symptoms may also develop, including in some cases symptoms involving the central nervous system; people with Lyme disease may feel fatigued, experience nerve pain, and develop rashes.
When arthritis is identified in someone who is not otherwise at risk for arthritis, Lyme arthritis can be considered a potential cause. If the person has been in an area where Lyme disease is present and has been exposed to ticks, these can be strong indicators that the patient may have Lyme arthritis. Diagnostic tests, including blood and joint fluid tests, can be used to check for the presence of the bacterium to confirm the diagnosis. Specialists who are used to seeing cases of Lyme may be more adept at identifying the disease in its early stages.
Antibiotics are the first line of defense in treating Lyme arthritis. They are administered to kill the disease-causing organisms behind the inflammation. If a patient’s joints are unusually painful or swollen, medications may be prescribed to treat the pain and swelling so the patient will feel more comfortable. Some patients also benefit from warm compresses, rest, and plenty of fluids.
In patients whose Lyme disease has become recurrent, joint pain can be an early warning sign that another bout of the disease is about to set in. Lyme arthritis can eventually cause severe damage to your joints because they can wear down with inflammation. As a result, the patient may experience pain, stiffness, and a reduction in range of motion related to the joint damage. Gentle stretching can help patients preserve their range of motion and keep their joints as healthy as possible.
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