What Houston Residents Should Know

Foot Pain Caused by Lyme Disease

What Houston Residents Should Know

Foot Pain Caused by Lyme Disease

If Lyme disease is causing pain or swelling in your feet, visit Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists in Houston for expert evaluation and care. – Book Now

Have you been feeling tired, achy, and noticing strange foot pain that just won’t go away? You might not think it’s serious—but sometimes, ongoing foot pain caused by Lyme disease can be a sign of something deeper. At Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists, led by Dr. Elnaz Sabeti, we help patients understand, diagnose, and treat Lyme-related foot pain so they can get back to walking comfortably again.If you live in or around Houston, Texas, and have unexplained joint pain, stiffness, or tingling in your feet, this guide will help you understand what’s happening and when to seek care.


What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick, often called a deer tick. These ticks are tiny—about the size of a poppy seed—and are usually found in grassy or wooded areas. When they bite, they can pass bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi into your bloodstream, which can cause inflammation throughout your body.

Many people associate Lyme disease with fatigue and fever, but it can also lead to joint and nerve pain, especially in the feet and ankles.


How Can Lyme Disease Affect Your Feet?

When Lyme disease isn’t diagnosed early, it can spread to the joints and nerves—causing a condition known as Lyme arthritis. This can lead to painful swelling, stiffness, or even tingling sensations in your legs and feet.

Patients often describe symptoms such as:

  • Shooting or burning pain in the feet or toes
  • Numbness or tingling (neuropathy-like symptoms)
  • Swelling around the ankles
  • Stiffness when walking or standing
  • Fatigue or heaviness in the legs

Because these symptoms can mimic other foot disorders—like plantar fasciitis or tendonitis—it’s important to get a professional evaluation by a podiatrist familiar with Lyme-related complications.


Recognizing the Early Signs of Lyme Disease

Early detection is key to preventing long-term foot pain. Look out for these warning signs:

  • A red circular rash that looks like a bull’s-eye (though not everyone gets this)
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and fatigue
  • Joint pain that comes and goes
  • Tingling or weakness in the feet and hands

If these symptoms appear after a tick bite—or even after spending time outdoors—it’s best to contact your healthcare provider or a Lyme disease specialist.

Learn how Lyme disease can cause foot pain and how Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists in Houston can help. Get expert care from Dr. Elnaz Sabeti today.


Why Foot Pain Is Common with Lyme Disease

Lyme bacteria can cause inflammation in both joints and nerves. When this affects the nerves in your feet, you might develop a condition called Lyme neuropathy. This leads to chronic pain, numbness, and even a burning sensation that makes walking uncomfortable.

Inflammation in the ankle joints may also cause swelling and tenderness, limiting mobility. For many patients in Houston, these symptoms appear weeks or months after the initial tick bite, which makes diagnosis tricky without specialized care.


Diagnosis and Testing

At Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists, Dr. Elnaz Sabeti and her team perform a thorough physical examination and may recommend testing if Lyme disease is suspected. Diagnosis typically involves:

  • Blood tests to detect Lyme antibodies
  • Nerve conduction studies (if nerve pain is present)
  • Imaging tests to rule out joint damage or arthritis

Once the underlying cause of your foot pain is identified, we’ll develop a treatment plan that helps you recover faster and reduce your risk of long-term damage.


Treatment Options for Foot Pain Caused by Lyme Disease

Treatment for Lyme disease usually involves antibiotics prescribed by your physician. However, for persistent or residual foot pain, podiatric care is essential. At Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists, we focus on easing inflammation, restoring comfort, and promoting healthy mobility through:

  • Custom orthotics to relieve pressure on affected joints
  • Physical therapy to improve circulation and reduce stiffness
  • Laser therapy or shockwave treatment for inflammation relief
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to stimulate tissue healing
  • Gentle nerve and muscle support therapies for neuropathic pain

Our holistic approach ensures both comfort and long-term healing, especially for patients managing chronic Lyme symptoms.


When to See a Doctor

If you experience persistent foot pain caused by Lyme disease—or if your symptoms worsen despite rest—it’s time to seek expert care. Ignoring these signs can lead to joint damage or nerve complications over time.

Dr. Sabeti encourages Houston residents not to wait. Early intervention can make a huge difference in your recovery and overall mobility.


Why Choose Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists?

Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists is a trusted name in podiatric care, located conveniently at:

14770 Memorial Dr, Suite 150, Houston, TX 77079
📞 (281) 501-3443
✉️ info@houstonianfoot.com

Led by Dr. Elnaz Sabeti, a Board-Certified Podiatrist and Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Medicine, our clinic offers advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options tailored for every patient. Whether your pain is from an injury, arthritis, or an infection like Lyme disease, we’re here to help you heal from the ground up.


Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living

Don’t let foot pain caused by Lyme disease hold you back. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Elnaz Sabeti today and discover personalized solutions to relieve pain, restore comfort, and protect your long-term foot health.

Book your consultation now at Houstonian Foot & Ankle Specialists — where your foot health always comes first.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can Lyme disease really cause foot pain?

Yes. Lyme disease can cause inflammation and nerve irritation that leads to pain, swelling, or tingling in the feet and ankles.

2. How long does Lyme-related foot pain last?

Duration varies. With early treatment, symptoms may improve in weeks. Chronic cases may need longer therapy or podiatric care.

3. Can podiatrists treat Lyme-related symptoms?

Absolutely. Podiatrists like Dr. Elnaz Sabeti help manage the foot and ankle complications of Lyme disease through customized care.

4. What if I don’t remember a tick bite?

Many people never see the tick, but still develop symptoms later. If you have unexplained joint or foot pain, testing is important.

5. Is Lyme disease common in Houston?

Cases are increasing in Texas. People who enjoy outdoor activities should use precautions like bug spray and protective clothing.



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