Lyme Arthritis Symptoms: Joint and Muscle Pain in Lyme Disease
Lyme arthritis symptoms are among the most common manifestations of Lyme disease. Many patients develop joint pain, swelling, and muscle aches as the infection affects the musculoskeletal system.
These symptoms may appear early in Lyme disease or develop later if the infection is not recognized and treated promptly. Because joint and muscle pain occur in many medical conditions, Lyme disease may initially be mistaken for arthritis, fibromyalgia, or other musculoskeletal disorders.
This page highlights common joint and muscle symptoms associated with Lyme disease and links to clinical articles discussing these manifestations in more detail. For a broader overview of related joint and muscle symptoms, see musculoskeletal symptoms of Lyme disease.
Common Joint and Muscle Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Joint pain affecting the knees, shoulders, or other large joints
- Lyme arthritis with joint swelling
- Migrating joint pain
- Muscle pain (myalgia)
- Neck stiffness
- Back pain
- Tendon or ligament discomfort
In some patients, joint symptoms may become persistent or recurrent, particularly when Lyme disease is diagnosed late.
In children, Lyme arthritis often presents as swelling of a large joint such as the knee. For more discussion see pediatric Lyme disease.
Articles on Musculoskeletal Symptoms of Lyme Disease
- Lyme arthritis
- Migrating joint pain in Lyme disease
- Neck stiffness and Lyme disease
- Back pain and Lyme disease
- Muscle pain associated with Lyme disease
- Swollen knee and Lyme disease
Why Lyme Arthritis Symptoms Are Often Misdiagnosed
Joint and muscle symptoms caused by Lyme disease can resemble many other medical conditions. Patients are often evaluated for osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, or sports injuries before Lyme disease is considered.
To learn more about these diagnostic challenges, see our page on Lyme disease misdiagnosis.
Related Hubs
- Musculoskeletal Symptoms
- Symptoms Guide
- Pediatric Lyme Disease
- Persistent Lyme Disease Mechanisms
- Recovery from Lyme Disease
For a broader overview of symptoms affecting different body systems, see the Lyme disease symptoms guide.
Editor’s note: In my clinical experience, joint and muscle pain are among the most frequent reasons patients seek medical care for Lyme disease.
