Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Tick Bite Linked to Chronic Pain After 10 Years
A doctor found out that a patient's chronic pain for 10 years was caused by a tick bite from a long time ago.
The tick bite gave the patient Lyme disease, which is caused by bacteria.
If not treated early, it can cause problems like joint pain, nerve pain, and other issues.
Even after treatment, some people still feel pain or other symptoms.
Doctors say it's important to take tick bites seriously, especially in areas where tick diseases are common.
They also say to tell your doctor about any past bites if you have long-term pain.
A patient's chronic pain for 10 years was diagnosed as a result of a tick bite that occurred a decade ago.
The tick bite caused Lyme disease, which, if untreated, can lead to long-term effects like arthritis and nerve pain.
Some people continue to experience symptoms like joint pain and fatigue even after antibiotic treatment, a condition known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
Doctors recommend taking tick bites seriously, especially in areas where tick-borne illnesses are common, and to seek help early if symptoms do not improve.
Diagnosis involves a detailed history, physical exam, specific tests, and imaging to determine the cause of the pain.
- Who
- A patient with chronic pain for 10 years, Dr. Kunal Sood, Dr. Swapnil Zambare
- What
- Chronic pain diagnosed as a result of a 10-year-old tick bite causing Lyme disease
- When
- The tick bite occurred 10 years ago, and the diagnosis was recently made
- Where
- The specific location is not mentioned, but tick-borne illnesses are common in certain areas
- Why
- Lyme disease, if not treated early, can spread to joints, nervous system, and heart, leading to long-term effects
- Disease
- Lyme disease
- Cause
- Bacteria transmitted by infected black-legged tick
- Early Symptoms
- Fever, fatigue, red rash (often bull's-eye shaped)
- Long-term Effects
- Arthritis, nerve pain, facial paralysis, memory and sleep problems
- Prevention
- Wear long sleeves, use repellents, check for ticks
- Post-treatment Syndrome
- Joint pain, fatigue, concentration issues (cause not fully understood)
- Diagnosis Approach
- Detailed history, physical exam, specific tests, imaging