What is a common symptom of Lyme disease that occurs later in the course of infection?

Joint pain is a common symptom of Lyme disease that typically occurs later in the course of the infection. This condition, known as Lyme arthritis, can manifest weeks to months after the initial infection. It often affects larger joints, such as the knees, and can cause significant pain, swelling, and inflammation. The development of joint pain is a result of the body’s immune response to the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, which can persist in the body beyond the early stages of Lyme disease.

The rapidly growing rash, often referred to as erythema migrans or "bull's-eye" rash, is one of the earliest indicators of Lyme disease rather than a later symptom. Chest pain and abdominal bloating are also not characteristic symptoms of Lyme disease; these symptoms may arise from other conditions and are not associated with the progression of Lyme disease. Therefore, joint pain stands out as a hallmark of later-stage Lyme disease.