A lot of people tend to believe that arthritis can only affect elderlies, which is probably due to the fact that advancing age happens to be a leading risk factor for this degenerative joint condition that affects millions globally. You will, however, be surprised to know that arthritis can affect small kids as well. Children under the age of 16 are susceptible to a type of arthritis known as juvenile arthritis (JA). It is a chronic disorder that results in joint inflammation, which can cause discomfort, stiffness, and decreased mobility. It can be difficult as a parent to watch your kid suffer from pain and discomfort, but being aware of the condition and its symptoms can help you support them and give them the care they require.
JUVENILE ARTHRITIS: WHAT IS IT?
Juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune condition that produces inflammation in the joints. It might linger for months or even years because it is a chronic illness. There are various different forms of juvenile arthritis, each with its own distinct symptoms and range of available treatments. Below are the different kinds of juvenile arthritis that are observed throughout the years by the experts of pediatric orthopedics hospital in Pune:
- Oligoarticular JA: Commonly found in the knees, ankles, or wrists, this kind of JA can affect up to four joints in the body.
- Polyarticular JA: Often affecting the tiny joints in the hands and feet, this kind of JA affects five or more joints throughout the body.
- Systemic JA: This kind of JA causes fever, rash, and joint discomfort while affecting the entire body.
- Enteritis-related JA: This kind of JA affects the joints, such as the knee, ankle, or hip, where tendons and ligaments attach to the bone.
Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms
Depending on the type of arthritis a child has, the signs and symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary. Here are some of the classic indications of JA:
- Experiencing joint discomfort, stiffness and pain especially in the morning or during rest periods.
- Joint swelling and tenderness
- Fever and rashes, which are commonly seen in kids with Systemic JA
- Reduced mobility which makes it difficult to move around and carry out daily duties as the condition worsens.
- Vision issues, redness, and pain in the eyes are all possible side effects of some types of JA.
Juvenile Arthritis Diagnosis
It’s critical to get medical assistance right away if you think your child has possible symptoms of juvenile arthritis. A physical examination, medical history, and test results can all be used by a pediatrician or rheumatologist to identify JA. A few of the tests performed to identify JA are as follows:
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help identify any inflammation in the body and rule out any other disorders that might be contributing to the symptoms.
- X-rays: X-rays can reveal whether there is joint damage, which may be an indication of arthritis.
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound can assist in identifying joint inflammation, which may be an indication of JA.
- MRI: Using more precise pictures of the joints provided by an MRI, one can identify JA and rule out other disorders.
Treatment of Juvenile Arthritis
Although there is no known treatment for juvenile arthritis, there are options to help manage symptoms and enhance quality of life. The following are some of the most typical JA treatments:
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs): NSAIDs can help ease pain and inflammation suffering brought on by JA.
- Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs): DMARDs can help JA progress more slowly and lower the risk of joint injury.
- Biologic agents are a class of drug that specifically targets the body’s proteins that cause inflammation.
- Physical treatment: Physical therapy can assist increase joint mobility, lessen pain, and stop more joint deterioration.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can assist kids with JA in learning how to manage daily duties and enhance their quality of life.
Coping with Juvenile Arthritis
Although managing the symptoms of juvenile arthritis can be difficult, there are things you can do as a parent to help your child live a full life. Following are some pointers for coping with juvenile arthritis:
- Encourage your little one to indulge in low-impact physical activities and sports
- Keep an eye on your child’s symptoms and how they are progressing
- Offer emotional support to your little one as they can depict irritability due to pain and discomfort
- Become informed by learning more about your child’s condition
- Join a support group or reaching out to other families are two ways to connect with others impacted by JA
At last, it is crucial for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms of JA, to seek medical help right away if they think their child might be suffering from the condition, and to collaborate with best pediatric orthosurgeon in Pune to create a personalised treatment plan. Children with JA can control their symptoms and lead full, active lives with the correct support and treatment.
