Doctor diagnoses cause of patient’s chronic pain to be a 10-year-old tick bite: ‘More antibiotics don’t help’

Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, and a red rash, often in a bull’s-eye shape, he said. “Months or even years later, some people may develop long-term effects like arthritis, nerve pain, facial paralysis or memory and sleep problems even after antibiotic treatment”.

He said that some continue to experience joint pain, a condition known as post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, whose cause isn’t fully understood. “More antibiotics don’t help,” said Dr Sood.

Here’s what you should consider (Photo: Freepik)

To lower your risk:

*Wear long sleeves
*Use repellents
*Check for ticks after spending time outdoors

So could symptoms show up after years? 

Yes, lingering symptoms can occur, though they are not common, said Dr Swapnil Zambare, consultant arthroscopy at KIMS Hospitals, Thane. “Tick-borne infections like Lyme disease can affect several systems in the body. Even after treating the actual infection, some people still feel tired, have joint pain, or struggle to concentrate. This prolonged recovery phase is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome. The exact reasons are not completely clear; some theories suggest irritation of the immune system, while others think the body simply takes longer to recover after the infection,” described Dr Zambare.

Could an old bite, even one from many years ago, be connected to today’s joint pain?

It’s rare, but it does occur in certain cases, Dr Zambare noted. “When someone has ongoing joint pain without a clear cause, doctors review the entire history of symptoms. Many patients do not immediately link a bite from years ago to their current pain. However, when all other causes are ruled out, past infections become part of the medical puzzle. This doesn’t mean every insect bite is harmful; it just shows that history matters when figuring out unexplained long-term pain,” said Dr Zambare.

What early signs should people not overlook after a tick or insect bite?

A red, spreading rash, flu-like symptoms, sudden fatigue, or stiffness in joints after a bite should be taken seriously. “These symptoms may go away on their own, but some individuals later develop episodes of joint pain, especially in larger joints like the knee. Any ongoing or returning pattern is a reason to get checked, especially if it appears weeks or months after a bite,” said Dr Zambare.

 

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How do doctors usually approach someone with this kind of history?

The evaluation is fairly systematic: a detailed history, a physical exam, and specific tests to find past infections or inflammation, as apprised Dr Zambare. “Imaging may be used to see if the joint shows signs of swelling or damage. The goal is to determine whether the pain is mechanical, inflammatory, or related to an infection, as each type requires a different treatment approach,” said Dr Zambare.

What to note?

Take bites seriously, especially in areas where tick-borne illnesses are common, Dr Zambare asserted. “Seek help early if symptoms do not improve. If you have long-term joint pain, mention any past bites to your doctor, even if they seem unrelated. This helps create a complete picture,” said Dr Zambare.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.