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.

If you are bitten by an infected tick, you could get Lyme disease. Lyme disease was recognized when there was an increase in children suffering from rheumatoid arthritis in 1975. Further studies revealed that ticks carrying the Borelia burgdorferi bacteria were the culprit of the disease. Some people ignore what could be Lyme disease symptoms because these symptoms are quite similar to common diseases such as flu. Lyme arthritis can happen in the last stage of the disease. This disease is somewhat similar to that of inflammatory arthritis. Here are some important facts on Lyme arthritis that you should be alarmed about:

It occurs when the Lyme disease bacteria starts to inflame the patient's joints

According to some experts, Lyme disease has more than one stage. The symptoms of Lyme disease in its early stage, like fever, headaches, body pains and chills, are somewhat the same to the symptoms of flu. Other body systems can become infected if the disease is left untreated. Lyme arthritis happens in the late stage of Lyme disease and is caused when bacteria inflames the joints. Knee and shoulder joints are often the parts affected with Lyme arthritis. Other symptoms that the patient may experience during the later stages of Lyme disease include anxiety, mood disorders and severe headaches.

It may develop into chronic arthritis

Some studies reveal that of about 10% of untreated Lyme disease cases may develop into chronic arthritis. 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

Both adults and children can suffer from Lyme arthritis as a result of Lyme disease. Point in fact; Lyme disease is most prominent in children between the ages of 5 and 9 and adults that are over 30 according to the Centers for Disease Control CDC (CDC). Also, approximately 33% of the total cases of Lyme disease patients also suffered from Lyme arthritis.

The condition may be treated with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications

Lyme arthritis can be treated by using a course of antibiotics. A positive response rate of over 90% was reached with intravenous ceftriaxone; making it the most successful treatment. In order to receive relief from swelling and pain ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory medication, is also sometimes given to patients. However, these treatments are not as successful in some cases of Lyme arthritis. In such certain cases, bacteria could have become immune to the antibiotic medications.

Prevention and early treatment of Lyme disease is the solution

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 serious condition, but its effects can be prevented and cured.