How to Treat Joint Pain Caused By Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is an infectious disease spread by ticks. While an expanding rash is often the most common symptom, several others may present themselves when the disease is not diagnosed and treated early on. Among the most common of these is joint pain, which can last for months after the appropriate treatment for Lyme disease has been administered. If you are suffering from Lyme disease-related joint pain, several care options can be worth considering.

1. Natural Remedies

While antibiotics are the primary treatment option for Lyme disease, Cumanda may be something else worth trying. Cumanda doesn’t necessarily focus on joint pain, but it has been regarded as a powerful anti-Lyme treatment for its anti-fungal, anti-viral, and antiparasitic properties. Cumanda comes from the bark of the Cumanda tree in the Amazon rainforest. For hundreds of years, indigenous people have been using the bark for an abundance of herbal practices.

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

To relieve arthritic pain and reduce inflammation, you may like to consider nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These prescription and over-the-counter medications can be taken orally and as topical treatments. They provide short-term relief from Lyme disease-related joint pain and other joint conditions.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Some people who have suffered from Lyme disease notice inflammation for several months after their first round of antibiotics. While the second round of antibiotics can often ease that inflammation, your doctor may also recommend anti-inflammatory medications like corticosteroids for management rather than prevention.

4. Prescription Opioids

If anti-inflammatory medication, natural remedies, and NSAIDs fail to provide relief from joint pain, your doctor may prescribe opioids as a short-term relief measure. Some of the most popular options include oxycodone, codeine, and hydrocodone. However, these are not recommended for long-term use, even if they help your joint pain. This is because they can become addictive when not managed carefully.

5. Hot and Cold Treatments

For short-term relief from pain, inflammation, and swelling, hot and cold treatments may be able to assist. Hot treatments may effectively combat joint stiffness, while cold therapies may help with swelling, pain, and inflammation.

6. Low Impact Exercises

Joint pain and arthritis symptoms caused by Lyme disease can take a significant toll on your life. However, a small amount of extra flexibility in your joints may make daily life just that little bit easier. Low impact exercises, such as swimming, yoga, or aerobics, may be able to help build up joint flexibility over time.

7. Weight Loss

While weight loss is not a sure way to prevent or cure joint pain, it may ease discomfort and pain. The less pressure on your joints, the less pain you may experience. According to the Arthritis Foundation, a 10-pound weight loss can result in 40 pounds of pressure being released from your knees.

Few people would ever expect a simple tick bite to result in crippling joint pain and arthritis symptoms. However, it’s the reality for many of the 30,000 people who get Lyme disease in the United States annually. Consider trying any of these treatment ideas above for assistance with managing the condition and subsequent joint pain.

Melissa Feldman writes about a range of lifestyle topics, including health, fitness, nutrition, and the intersection of them all. She has undergraduate degrees in both teaching and psychology. She spent almost 20 years writing and designing English as a Second Language educational materials, including several textbooks. She has presented the cumulative research of many health topics ranging from dietary supplements to joint pain relief products and topical pain reliever. She is skilled at writing compelling articles and producing academic, marketing and creative content. Melissa currently lives in Toronto, Canada and works as an independent research writer. She has more than a decade of experience reviewing and editing publications intended for both public and professional audiences. You can connect with her on. View all posts by Melissa Feldman