Lyme arthritis is an alarming condition. You should know that it occurs when the patient’s joints become inflamed from Lyme disease bacteria, there is a possibility of it developing to chronic arthritis, the condition may be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications, and the best solution is to prevent and treat Lyme disease as early as possible.
Anyone bitten by an infected tick can get Lyme disease. They first noticed the disease in 1975 when rheumatoid arthritis cases among children began to increase. Research revealed that ticks infected with Borelia burgdorferi bacteria were the cause behind the illness. some Lyme disease symptoms are quite the same with symptoms of other diseases like flu. As a result, people may choose to ignore it. In the last stages of Lyme disease, patients may experience Lyme arthritis. The condition is somewhat similar to inflammatory arthritis. The following are some Lyme arthritis facts that you need to know about:
It occurs when the patient’s joints become inflamed from Lyme disease bacteria
According to specialists, there are several stages of Lyme disease. At the earliest, the symptoms are somewhat similar to flu symptoms like fever, chills, head and body aches. if it is left untreated, the infection will spread throughout the body. In later stages, Lyme arthritis will occur after the bacteria begin to inflame the joints. Knee and shoulder joints are often the parts affected with Lyme arthritis. Other symptoms that manifest in the late stage of Lyme disease are severe headaches, anxiety and mood disorders.
Chronic arthritis may follow
Some research has revealed that chronic arthritis may develop from an estimated 10% of untreated cases of Lyme disease. Chronic arthritis is described as a continuous inflammation of the patient’s joints that can last for a year or more. Fluid buildup, redness and swelling of patient’s joints are common symptoms of this condition.
It can affect people of all age groups
Lyme disease and Lyme arthritis can affect children and adults alike. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that the most common sufferers of Lyme disease are children between 5 and 9 years old and adults older than 30. Additionally, patients in 33% of the total number of reported cases experienced Lyme arthritis.
Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications may be used for treating it
Antibiotics may be used to treat Lyme arthritis. A positive response rate of over 90% was reached with intravenous ceftriaxone; making it the most successful treatment. Ibuprofen can ease the pain of someone suffering from swelling, or inflammation. but, there are certain cases that do not respond so well to these treatments. In those rare instances, the bacteria are believed to have become resistant to the antibiotic treatment.
The best way to solve this problem is through prevention and early treatment
Since Lyme arthritis is a symptom of the late stage of Lyme disease, the best way to prevent it is to prevent or immediately treat Lyme disease. Knowing the symptoms, treatment and prevention of Lyme disease is very important.
Lyme arthritis is a cause for much concern, but the effects of this condition can still be prevented and treated.