Juvenile Arthritis Explained
Juvenile arthritis (JA), also referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is a condition that affects children ages 16 and under. There are many variations of the disorder, all of which require an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan directed by a physician specifically trained in disorders of the joints, muscles and bones.
Causes and types
Unfortunately, the exact causes of juvenile arthritis are not yet known. However, researchers believe that it is a type of autoimmune disease, meaning something causes the body's natural immune system to see its own cells and tissues as foreign invaders. There is also still speculation as to whether or not there is a genetic link increasing a person's chances of developing arthritis.
In some instances, the condition may surface following an injury or some type of infection. Although JA is not directly caused by these infections or injuries, because of it's relationship to the immune system it affects the body's ability to handle infection and injury. There are many different specific types of JA categorized by factors such as its symptoms and which joints are involved. The most common type of the disorder, which also has the least severe symptoms, is referred to as pauiarticular, or ogiloarticular juvenile arthritis, affecting approximately 40 to 60% of children with JA. This type of the disorder causes inflammation in four or fewer of the joints and usually begins before the age of four, mainly affecting the knees, elbows, ankles, and wrists. Signs and symptoms of JA include: - Stiffness and or pain in one or more of the joints lasting longer than six weeks. - Noticeable swelling of certain joints. - Limping, particularly after waking up in the mornings, or having noticeable trouble with the legs or arms. - Loss of mobility. - Symptoms are more severe at certain times, sometimes referred to as flare-ups, and then enter into a period of remission where there is a great reduction in swelling or pain. Treatment While there are medications that may be used to lessen or reduce the inflammation that is associated with JA, there is no actual medicinal cure for the condition. A doctor may prescribe a child a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that must be taken on a regular basis, exactly as prescribed, in order to be completely effective. The type and strength of medicine will depend upon the specific type of arthritis as well as its severity. Medication is useful for making exercise programs, which are an essential aspect of treating arthritis, more effective since it may ease pain and stiffness, allowing for ease of movement and minimizing the risk of permanent damage to the joints. A complete team comprised of your child's doctor, a physiotherapist, orthopedist, and other professionals such as an occupational therapist, psychologist, or even your child's teachers, should all be actively involved, working together for an arthritis treatment plan. The main goal of this plan is to enable the child to have a physically and socially active life, as well as a healthy and safe journey into adulthood. An estimated one out of every 1,000 children under the age of 16 are afflicted with some type of juvenile arthritis. However, the majority of those children who are accurately diagnosed with arthritis will have a promising long-term prognosis, although proper therapy and a complete treatment plan is of the utmost importance for successfully managing the disorder. Banish Your Arthritis Condition Naturally - from the comfort and privacy of your own home
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