JOINT PAIN AND SWELLING - COULD IT BE LYME ARTHRITIS

This report presents two probable cases of Lyme arthritis triggered by athletic activity or trauma. One patient had ankle swelling after he began a jogging program, and a second had knee swelling that followed a twisting injury. The report describes the three stages of the illnes s and presents diagnostic lab tests and the therapies used. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing of the synovial fluid can be useful in d iagnosing active Lyme arthritis, but it may yield a false-negative res ult when there has been recent remission of the arthritis.