Lyme disease is caused by a bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi. This bacteria is spread to humans by the bite of an infected tick. If you think you have Lyme disease, our Rheumatologist in Manhattan may be able to help with the holistic treatment options we offer.

How Do You Get Lyme Disease?

You get Lyme disease by being bitten by an infected tick. The ticks that are more likely to bite you are called Nymphs, baby black-legged ticks. These ticks are very small, less than 2 mm, and can attach to any part of the human body. They typically attach to hard-to-see areas like the groin, armpits, and scalp. A tick, in most cases, needs to be attached to your body for 36 to 48 hours before the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi can be transmitted. Adult ticks can also transmit Lyme disease but are much larger, and easier to spot. Contrary to popular belief, there has been no evidence that Lyme disease is transmitted from person to person or from dogs and cats to humans. If you think you may have Lyme disease contact our Rheumatologist in Manhattan to learn more about the treatment options we offer.

How to Prevent Lyme Disease

• If you are hiking be sure to stick to clear trails and avoid woody areas with tall grass.
• Use a repellent on your clothing and gear and be sure to always follow the product directions.
• Bathe or shower as soon as possible after being outdoors to easily find ticks that may be on you.
• Be sure to examine you hiking gear and pets to make sure no ticks come home with you.
• Conduct a full-body tick check by using a hand-held or full-length mirror to view all parts of your body. Parents should check children for ticks as well.
• Put your clothes in the dryer on high heat for about 10 minutes to kill ticks on dry clothing and for extra precaution.

Our rheumatologist in Manhattan may be able to help if you believe you have Lyme disease. We offer holistic methods that can help relieve any symptoms you may be experiencing.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of Lyme disease include:

• Severe headaches or neck stiffness
• A rash that has a “bulls-eye” appearance that spreads
• Severe joint pain and swelling usually in the knees
• Heart palpitations
• Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet

How We Can Help

The most effective treatment option for Lyme disease is antibiotics which often includes Doxycycline, Cefuroxime axetil, or Amoxicillin. Our rheumatologist in Manhattan will fully evaluate your bodily condition in order to provide the right treatment for you. In the majority of cases, antibiotics provide a quick and complete recovery. For some individuals, chronic Lyme disease post-treatment can result in muscle aches and fatigue. Holistic treatment options can help to greatly reduce the pain and discomfort associated with this form of Lyme disease. Cupping massage can be used to facilitate the release of muscle tension and increase blood flow and hydration by stimulating the lymphatic system. Our method can ensure that you experience no pain or bruising during this non-invasive treatment. If you believe you are experiencing chronic Lyme disease, schedule an appointment today.

No matter what stage of Lyme disease you may have, we can treat you at our offices in both Manhattan and Long Island. Contact us today!