Spring and summer are a great time to get outdoors, enjoy the fresh air, and interact with nature, however, if you’re not careful or aware of any tick bites, you could contract Lyme disease.
As a rheumatologist in central New Jersey, Arthritis & Osteoporosis Associates have treated countless patients who have Lyme disease. If you’re unsure if you’ve contracted Lyme disease, continue reading to learn more about the cause, the symptoms, and the treatment.
How Lyme Disease is Caused
Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi that is transmitted through tick bites, specifically, black-legged ticks also known as deer ticks. These ticks are much smaller than traditional ticks, so spotting them can be tricky. Typically, not all deer tick bites can lead to Lyme disease, but ticks who are infected with the bacteria can transmit it during bites.
The disease was first discovered in 1975 in Lyme, Connecticut, thus resulting in the name of the condition.
What are the Lyme Disease Symptoms?
At its onset, Lyme disease can result in flu-like symptoms as well as a circular rash that slightly resembles a bullseye where the tick bit occurred. This rash can appear in as quick as three days, as long as a month, or some cases do not appear at all.
While the onset symptoms can result in irritation, grogginess, and even flu-like experiences, the long lasting symptoms can result in a variety of inflammatory issues like swelling knees and joints. It can also lead to effects to the nervous system, leading to nerve pain, meningitis, and even facial palsy. Irregular heart rhythms can also be associated with the effects of Lyme disease.
Getting a Lyme Disease Diagnosis
If you’ve experienced a tick bite and have since felt fluish and noticed a bullseye rash appear, it’s a good indicator that you may have contracted Lyme disease. However, you’ll want to get an official diagnosis before proceeding with treatment to confirm that you do have the disease.
There are a few tests that can indicate the presence of Lyme disease. The common methods for testing are the Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and the Western Blot. While these tests are taken back-to-back to confirm the presence of Lyme disease, further tests may be required. These typically include medical imaging and even a joint fluid analysis.
Lyme Disease Treatment & Management
The Lyme disease treatment options vary depending on the stage of the disease. If the disease is in its early stages, typically antibiotics like doxycycline or amoxicillin are prescribed.
But if the disease is in its later stages, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication are administered and potentially corticosteroid injections are given. Treatment may also require physical therapy to help restore joint function and mobility.
Get Diagnosed and Treated for Lyme Disease
If you’re experiencing the symptoms are seeking a diagnosis and Lyme disease treatment, you can schedule a visit with us at Arthritis & Osteoporosis. We have locations in Toms River, Edison, and Freehold, NJ where you can receive diagnosis, treatment, and therapy to help reduce the effects of Lyme disease.
Schedule your visit today!
*Please consult your primary care physician before seeking treatment from outside providers.
