Lyme disease???

[SethH]

I started working out again pretty heavily about 3 weeks ago. I have never had any problems with my ankles in my life but now I have swelling and tenderness in both. I'm wondering if it could be Lyme disease. Any thoughts??

 

[gmajor]

Have to imagine it's the working out, despite your lack of prior issues. That being said, go see a doctor if you think it could be lyme.

 

[MuleyFever]

Why would you default to Lyme disease? Do you have other symptoms?

 

[freebird134]

Why would you suspect it was lyme disease? Where do you live? Have you been in a lyme hotspot? Have you been bitten by a deer tick that was in your skin for more than 24hrs?

I had lyme in grad school doing field work in Connecticut. Symptoms of lyme show up differently in different people, but sore ankles aren't a normal symptom. Going to see a doctor is a good idea because early detection and medication is important to prevent long-term effects. However the test for lyme is notorious for giving false negatives. I tested negative for it, but am 100% certain I had lyme: I was doing field work in an area where 50% of deer ticks are infected with the disease, and suddenly in July got terrible flu-like symptoms and slept for 20hrs straight. They gave me the antibiotics even though the test was negative and I was back to normal in days.

But, unless you have a good reason to suspect lyme disease, I'm guessing you are out of shape

 

[bourbon]

Swelling in the ankles is a symptom of mild congestive heart failure and/or dehydration. Since you are just getting back into working out my vote is on dehydration.

You can have your doctor perform a blood work up to check the titer count in your blood. I wouldn't expect them to find anything given your root cause for concern.

 

[SethH]

I live in Massachusetts and have been bitten by dozens and dozens of ticks with a few that I found buried in my side or legs after a good check over and showers. I just find my issue funny do to that it started in both ankles at exactly the same time with the same amount of discomfort. I have been tested for lyme with negative results but have heard so many stories of false negatives. A friend of mine had a false negative and ended up with Bell's palsy and now chronic Lyme. I stay pretty hydrated, I guess the only way to know will be to get ester again. I see way more deer ticks then woods ticks.

 

[MarlinMark]

I think you're right. Go see a doctor.

 

[kpk]

Lyme disease is really common here. I've never heard of it causing problems with anyones ankles. Everyone I know that's had it says it is a lot like a really bad case of flu and just completely wipes you out.

 

[Take-a-knee]

Lyme is a spirochete bacteria, same as syphillis. It has an affinity for areas of the body with poor circulation and low oxygenation, like joint capsules.

 

[ChadS]

My good buddy got it and it really screwed with his legs. Kept getting false negatives till he saw a doctor that specialized in Lyme. He had it. Go see a doctor

 

[SethH]

So I haven't seen a DR yet, but it just hit me that these could also be symptoms of the gout. Any thoughts?

 

[Take-a-knee]

So I haven't seen a DR yet, but it just hit me that these could also be symptoms of the gout. Any thoughts?

A blood test will easily diagnose or rule out gout. Go see a doc.