Looking After the Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis

Part of aging is realizing our bodies do not work like they used to.

Tasks require more effort than they did in the earlier years, and you still feel the day’s work a week, or maybe even two, later. Unfortunately, this pain is also experienced by hundreds of thousands of children every year.

Juvenile arthritis is a reality that starts out as a minor discomfort, but can develop into a disabling condition.

Juvenile arthritis causes joints to become inflamed, which limits their range of motion. It is an autoimmune disease which can affect the rate of growth in children because it strikes just when young bodies are growing. The effects can be minor or severe, depending on the child and the type of juvenile arthritis from which they suffer.

It is common for children with juvenile arthritis to experience stiffness in their joints in the morning.

There is no definitive test available that determines if a child has juvenile arthritis. Symptoms persist over the course of six weeks, and when all other possibilities have been ruled out as the causation of the joint pain and discomfort, the diagnosis of juvenile arthritis is usually given.

Pediatric rheumotologists are specialists in this form of arthritis. Often, a primary care physician will refer children to a pediatric rheumotologist for final diagnosis.

When joints become inflamed, as they do with juvenile arthritis, it can be extremely painful. Children with this disease need to understand the physical limitations that they will have to live with. Parents can help by having a good understanding of the disease.

Within the category of juvenile arthritis, there are three subsets from which children may suffer. If a child suffers from inflammation and pain in four joints or less, then they have pauciarticular juvenile arthritis. Those who have five or more joints affected have polyarticular juvenile arthritis. Some children have one or more joints and internal organs which are inflamed. This is known as systemic onset juvenile arthritis.

Any treatment program for juvenile arthritis is meant to alleviate discomfort of the sufferer. This is achieved by controlling inflammation, preventing or controlling joint damage and maximizing joint and bodily functions.

It is important to keep the joints relaxed and quell any swelling. Exercise is useful in achieving this and will be included in a child’s treatment.

Movements that relax the muscles and joints, such as yoga, are often very effective in treatment of juvenile arthritis. When used with relaxation techniques like meditation, it can help take tension away from the joints. Splints also do this. Since many children experience pain or stiffness in the morning, wearing splints at night can be very helpful.

It is important to consult with specialists in juvenile arthritis, particularly if the child’s condition is severe.

Pediatric rheumatologists and primary care physicians are important members of the health team. Any and all signs of inflammation should be checked because juvenile arthritis can affect bodily functions.

Depression can also be a factor for children with juvenile arthritis. Often, they are not able to participate in the same activities as their peers, which can cause feelings of low self-worth or low self-esteem.

It is difficult to deal with arthritis, especially for children. Parents and caregivers need to help children acknowledge their disease and understand it. By focusing on what children can do instead of what they cannot, support people can offer encouragement to minimize the mental effects of this disease.

While juvenile arthritis is very painful and stressful, it is vital that stress and anxiety be reduced as much as possible. It interferes with the treatment process and quality of life for the child. Having a good understanding of juvenile arthritis and being supportive will help minimize stress.

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Written by Brad Morgan on October 15th, 2009 with no comments.
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