Acute inflammatory disease, thought to be caused by a tick- borne bacterium, that affects one or more joints (especially the knees and other large joints), causing heat, swelling, and skin redness, often accompanied by chills, fever, and malaise. Cardiac abnormalities and neurologic complications sometimes occur. Preventive measures include wearing protective clothing (long-sleeved shirt, and pants tucked into boots) in wooded areas and examination of the body for ticks after possible exposure. Treatment is by pain relievers (e.g., aspirin), antibiotics (tetracycline, penicillin), and sometimes corticosteroids.
The large-joint arthritis that develops in approx. 35% to 80% of patients with Lyme disease, caused by the spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi. It appears 2 weeks to 2 years after infection and is marked by periodic episodes of pain that move among different joints; the shoulders, knees, elbows, and ankles are involved most commonly. Approx. 10% of patients develop permanent deformities. The likelihood of chronic arthritic complaints is markedly diminished if patients are treated with amoxicillin or other appropriate antibiotics.
Joint inflammation stemming from Lyme disease, an infection spread by deer tick bites, is referred to as Lyme arthritis. Up to half of those with Lyme disease may develop this arthritis. Symptoms, which include joint pain and swelling, typically manifest a few weeks to two years post-infection. The knee is the joint most frequently impacted.