6. Lyme disease
This disease is an infectious disease caused by the Borrelia bacterium and it is transmitted to humans by a tick bite. When it’s diagnosed in early stages, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics, however, if left untreated, the disease spreads to other parts of your body for several months to years after infection causing nervous system problems.
The most common symptoms of Lyme disease include fatigue and rash, but it can also cause joint pain, according to the American Lyme Disease Foundation. “Many times people don’t know that they’ve been bitten by a tick,” says Dr. Colvin, so it’s easy to mistake the pain for arthritis. “If someone comes in with knee pain and swelling but no explanation, doctors can drain fluid, and test it for Lyme,” says Dr. Colvin. If the results are positive, they can prescribe antibiotics.
