Resolving the Problems of Juvenile Arthritis
Part of aging is realizing our bodies do not work like they used to.
Doing things we used to take for granted, such as exercising or working in the yard, take a higher toll on us, and it takes us much longer to recover. This is an expected part of growing older, but hundreds of thousands of children also feel this often debilitating pain.
What starts as discomfort or minor irritation can become severe pain. For some, juvenile arthritis can be debilitating.
Juvenile arthritis inflames joints and impacts their motion. Since this autoimmune disease attacks the joints at such a critical developmental stage, growth may be slightly to severely impacted.
It is common for children with juvenile arthritis to experience stiffness in their joints in the morning.
If a child experiences this and other symptoms of juvenile arthritis that do not abate after six weeks, and there is no other medical cause for the pain or discomfort, then juvenile arthritis is often diagnosed. This disease is not diagnosed by a single test but must be made when other conditions have been ruled out.
Most often, a pediatric rheumatologist will be the one to finalize the diagnosis, as they specialize in arthritis in children.
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.
Three types of juvenile arthritis can afflict a young body. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects four or fewer joints; polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects five or more joints; and systemic onset juvenile arthritis affects at least one joint and causes inflammation of internal organs as well.
The goal of juvenile arthritis treatment is to relieve pain and treat symptoms. First, inflammation must be controlled. It is also important to try to minimize joint damage and to retain mobility.
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.
For parents and caregivers, it is important to acknowledge the child’s feelings, and yet help the child focus on what they can do instead of what they cannot.
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 17th, 2009 with
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