Lyme Disease in Athletes: Tips for Prevention and Safe Return to Sport

Outdoor training and competitive sports offer incredible benefits to athletes but they can also expose individuals to unexpected risks, such as tick bites that lead to Lyme disease. This bacterial infection, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, is transmitted by black-legged ticks and can result in chronic health issues if not identified and treated early.

Lyme Disease in Athletes presents unique challenges. It can cause symptoms that mimic overtraining, leading to delayed diagnosis and a prolonged recovery. In this blog, we’ll explore how athletes can prevent Lyme disease and how to safely return to sport after a diagnosis.

Understanding Lyme Disease in Athletes

Athletes who spend time outdoors especially runners, hikers, mountain bikers, and field sport players are often at higher risk of encountering ticks. Lyme disease is most common in wooded and grassy areas, particularly in the Northeast, Midwest, and Pacific Northwest regions of the U.S.

Early symptoms of Lyme disease may include:

• Fatigue

• Muscle and joint pain

• Fever or chills

• Headaches

• Swollen lymph nodes

• A bull’s-eye rash (erythema migrans)

For athletes, these symptoms can be misinterpreted as dehydration, exhaustion, or typical post-workout soreness. This makes early recognition critical to prevent long-term health issues.

Why Lyme Disease Is Especially Problematic for Athletes

Athletes rely heavily on energy, endurance, and muscle recovery—all of which can be compromised by Lyme disease. If not caught early, Lyme can lead to more severe conditions like:

• Joint inflammation and arthritis, especially in the knees

• Neurological symptoms, such as brain fog and dizziness

• Chronic fatigue, interfering with training and performance

• Heart complications, including Lyme carditis

• Emotional challenges, like depression or anxiety

These symptoms can sideline even the most dedicated athlete, emphasizing the need for prevention and careful management.

Prevention Tips for Athletes

Avoiding Lyme disease starts with proactive prevention measures, especially during training or competitions in tick-prone areas.

1. Dress for Protection

Wear long sleeves, long pants, and high socks. Choose light-colored clothing to help spot ticks more easily. Tuck your pants into your socks when hiking or running in tall grass or wooded areas.

2. Use Tick Repellents

Apply an EPA-approved repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. For clothing and gear, consider using permethrin-based sprays for added protection.

3. Stay on Marked Trails

Avoid brushing against bushes or tall grasses. Stay on well-worn paths when training outdoors.

4. Perform Tick Checks Daily

After every workout or outdoor event, check your entire body, including behind the knees, armpits, scalp, and waistline. Ticks often attach in hidden, warm areas.

5. Shower Soon After Being Outdoors

Showering within two hours of being outdoors can reduce your risk of Lyme disease. It also gives you a better chance to spot and remove ticks.

6. Check Your Gear and Pets

Ticks can hitch a ride on sports gear, clothing, and pets. Make it a habit to inspect everything after an outdoor session.

What to Do if You’re Bitten by a Tick

If you discover a tick attached to your skin, don’t panic. Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin’s surface as possible and pull upward with steady pressure. Clean the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

Monitor for symptoms over the next few weeks. If you experience flu-like symptoms or a rash, consult a healthcare provider immediately. Early treatment with antibiotics is crucial for recovery.

Returning to Sport After Lyme Disease

Recovering from Lyme disease in athletes can be physically and mentally demanding. It’s essential to approach your return to sport with patience and caution.

1. Follow Medical Guidance

Work with a Lyme-literate healthcare provider to develop a recovery plan that includes medication, rest, and monitoring.

2. Start Slow

Begin with light, low-impact exercises such as walking or yoga. Gradually increase your activity level as tolerated.

3. Listen to Your Body

Symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog can flare up during recovery. Rest when needed, and avoid pushing through symptoms.

4. Focus on Nutrition

Support your body with anti-inflammatory foods, probiotics, and supplements that aid immune function and cellular repair.

5. Integrate Physical Therapy

A professional physical therapist can help restore strength and mobility, especially if Lyme has affected your joints or nervous system.

6. Address Mental Health

Anxiety, depression, and emotional distress are common in chronic Lyme sufferers. Therapy, meditation, or support groups can help.

Success Stories: Athletes Who Overcame Lyme

Many professional and amateur athletes have successfully returned to sport after Lyme disease. From marathon runners to triathletes, their recoveries prove that healing is possible with the right care and commitment.

Reading or hearing these stories can provide inspiration and hope during the recovery process. Sharing your own experience may also help others recognize symptoms early and seek treatment.

Final Thoughts

Lyme disease in athletes is a serious condition, but it doesn’t have to end your sports journey. By staying informed, taking preventive steps, and allowing time for healing, you can protect your health and make a strong return to sport.