Don't ignore this symptom.
Lyme arthritis
occurs when a Lyme infection causes inflammation in the joint tissue."The main feature of Lyme arthritis is obvious swelling of one or a few joints. While the knees are affected most often, other large joints such as the shoulder, ankle, elbow, jaw, wrist, and hip can also be involved," explains the CDC."People who do not receive prompt treatment for Lyme arthritis are at risk of developing permanent joint damage.
By looking out for the signs of Lyme arthritis, you may be able to treat your condition before this occurs. In addition to stiffness,"the joint may feel warm to the touch or cause pain during movement. Joint swelling can come and go or move between joints, and it may be difficult to detect in the shoulder, hip, or jaw. Lyme arthritis typically develops within one to a few months after infection," the CDC explains.
Importantly, you may also notice the tell-tale"Lyme rash," known among medical professionals as Erythema migrans . This is most typically presents as a red"bullseye" at the site of the tick bite, which expands across the skin in the days following infection. An EM rash occurs in between 70 and 80 percent of Lyme disease cases, and develops in an average of seven days after an infected tick bite.
However, it is important to note that not everyone experiences a rash after contracting Lyme, so the absence of a rash doesFor more health news sent directly to your inbox,