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Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis also known as childhood arthritis, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis or Still's disease.
Juvenile Arthritis is a common type of arthritis which usually affects children below sixteen years or younger. It can affect one or more joints in the body and for severe cases, internal organs can also be damage as the disease progresses.
This disease affects the proper growth and development of the body. It can also slow down the movements of certain joints found in the body. This disease should be properly managed to avoid the injuries that may affect the inflammed joints.
At present, the exact cause of the juvenile arthritis is really known but most scientists now believe that this type of arthritis is really a result of autoimmune disorder. Autoimmune disorder means that the body's own immune system, which is known to help the body fight infection, is attacking its own body tissues.
The first symptoms of juvenile arthritis are somewhat obvious and these signs may include:
Sore on the knees, fingers or wrist
Enlarged and swollen joints
Stiffness in the neck
Stifness in hips or other joints
Fever which is usually high in the evening
Rashes may develop
If these symtpoms last for almost two weeks, you have to take your child to doctor for medications and for the child to receive proper information to avoid further injury.
Diagnosis
Juvenile arthritis diagnosis requires an intensive interview of medical history and series of physical examination. Radiology tests and blood tests are usually done to rule out other medical problems that also carries similar symptoms.
Other medical tests that will be ordered may include:
Complete lood Count (CBC) - this is blood test which is used for evaluation of the cellular blood components which includes red blood cells, platelets and white blood cells. Any abnormal results from this may mean medical problems
Bone marrow exam - this test is conducted to rule out other health problems like leukemia
Blood culture - this test aim to detect bacteria that usually cause infections
Test for rheumatoid factor - an antibody is usually produced by the body especially in children when rheumatoid arthritis is present.
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) this blood test is conducted to detect autoimmunity. This is also important tool to detect eye problems in children with rheumatoid arthritis.
Bone scan is done to detect changes in the joints and bones. This importatnt test which aid in discovering the reason for joint pains.
The doctor might also order some test for Lyme disease as it sometimes mimic the symptoms of juvenile arthritis.
Treatments for Juvenile Arthritis
To get the best treatment for your child, you may consider getting the best health care providers that are knowlegable in treating juvenile arthritis. These health care providers should include the rheumatologist, primary care physician and physical therapist.
Your doctor will try different types of treatment for juvenile arthritis. Some of the available treatments may include:
Arthritis drugs
Physical therapy
Exercise
Use of corticosteroids
Surgery
There is really known cure for juvenile arthritis but the main aim of these treatments are to halt the prognosis of the disease and to restore the functionalities of the joints in order the child to lead a normal life.
Juvenile arthritis may also affect your child's emotional development as there are some activities which he may not participate that is why it is important that physician and family support is given to the patient.
Arthritis Medications
Arthritis drugs which are normally prescribed are NSAIDS drugs like ibuprofen as these drugs are known to aid in decreasing the inflammation. The dosage of these medications will depend on the severity of pain and on the reaction of your child to the medication.
It is important that your child strictly follow the instructions of the doctor in order to avoid further injury and damage to the joints.
Exercise and Sports
Juvenile arthritis should not hamper your child from exercising. It is common reaction of a child to sit when he feels pain, but a regular program of exercise is needed to support the joints of the body.
However, not all sports activities are allowed to children with juvenile arthritis, you have to ask your doctor which sports are allowed to your child.
