The Health Nut Blog

It is widely understood that arthritis, inflammation of bone joints, is normally associated with an illness affecting people over the age of 50. Therefore it will come as a massive surprise to parents when their children are diagnosed with it. Even more surprising is the fact that approximately 300,000 children in the United States alone have some form of arthritis, and that we the public are totally unaware of this fact.

Infact, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common type of arthritis affecting around 60,000 children. Unfortunately, doctors are not yet certain as to what causes juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, however, there are indications that it is associated with  the autoimmune system, where white blood cells are unable to differentiate between normal and foreign cells. Although being dissimilar to the adult form of rheumatoid arthritis It is imperative that all parents be educated about this debilitating childrens disease..

What are the Symptoms

As you have no doubt experienced, it is quite normal for kids to complain off and on about having sore joints and it is usually put down to growing pains. However, it may actually be more. If your child develops a limp and continually complains of sore joints  associated with rashes and spikes in temperature, like fits of fever, this may indicate that juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is present. Under these conditions it is important to get him/her into the doctors surgery asap. The quicker a diagnosis is made the less damage will occur to cartilage and the joints affected by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Diagnosis Of the Ailment

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is easily diagnosed, there are a wide array of tests, available some of the more regular Diagnostic tools including blood tests, X-rays, and complete physical examinations are necessary. Other tests for other diseases known to be linked to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may be performed, it is also likely that a referral to an orthopedic surgeon will be made to take samples of joint fluid for testing and further analysis. A diagnosis usually takes a number of days, upon receipt of the results of these tests, the pediatrician or doctor will work together with the orthopedic surgeon and any other medical professionals to develop a strategy to cure the child of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Fortunately It Is Easily Treatable

In complete contrast to the adult variety which does not have any known cure, the good news for both the child suffering from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis along with the parents is that this form of the disease is easy to treat. Doctors can prescribe medication to help with the swelling and inflammation of the joints along with a referral to a physical therapist. Who design and implement a set of exercises to improve the arthritis and improve muscle stamina and joint flexibility. Regular exercise is vitally important to ensure that the child is protected against further arthritis by protecting bones and joints. Treatment actually serves two purposes:
1. to protect and repair the joints from damage , and
2. reducing or eliminating the inflammation and pain.

Unfortunately the  nature of the disease makes a child's life miserable. This disease can harm their social skills and make them irritable while hindering their physical development. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is unsettling for parents, and is likely to necessitate major changes in lifestyle to insure that their child’s overall health is ensured and wont be harmed by the disease.

# posted by NeilG @ 4:20 PM