Lyme disease is named for Lyme, Connecticut, where an arthritis-like disease was first observed among a group of children in the community. Investigation of the phenomenon eventually revealed the disease to be transmitted by a bite from a deer tick. Different parts of the United States are home to different tick populations, and continued investigations revealed that other types of ticks were capable of transmitting the disease as well. 

The signs and symptoms of Lyme disease are well established and include the following early signs as well as potential complications of untreated disease.

• Early signs of Lyme disease begin within days to weeks after the tick bite. Approximately 80% of people infected will have a red, slowly expanding “bulls-eye” rash, called erythema migrans. This rash is usually accompanied by a general feeling of tiredness, fever, headache, stiff neck, muscle aches and joint pain.

• Later signs of Lyme disease, when there has been no treatment, include arthritis, including intermittent episodes of swelling and pain in the body’s large joints, neurologic problems, such as meningitis, facial palsy, and motor/sensory nerve inflammation, polyneuropathies, or encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain. Rarely, there may be cardiac problems, such as rhythm disturbances, acute inflammation of the tissues surrounding the heart, or an enlarged heart.

The diagnosis of Lyme disease is based primarily on the findings of a physical examination, and doctors often begin treatment for patients with signs of early disease. Blood tests will help to support or rule out the diagnosis.

Treatment during early stages of Lyme disease includes antibiotics. Treatment for people with later stages of Lyme disease, who may have complications affecting the neurologic system, may require treatment with intravenous medication. In some cases, there are long-term consequences of Lyme disease, which can be severe and disabling. It is also important to note that a person who has been treated for Lyme disease has gained no immunity from the disease or its treatment and can be re-infected.

Although the risk of being infected with Lyme disease varies in different parts of the United States, you should be aware of activities that may place you at risk of exposure to ticks.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or would like more information about lyme disease, please call 1-888-563-KNEE(5633) to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.