The swelling as well as inflammation of the joints, which is generally associated with anguish and rigidity resulting in eventual loss of mobility, is termed as Arthritics. Usually aged persons are susceptible to this disease. However, this fact is not always true and at times the children many also be vulnerable to this dreadful disease. The most common from of Arthritis in children is the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis which is also known as JRA.

Causes of Arthritis in Children

Modern medical research has clearly proved that Arthritis in Children has nothing to do with the heredity. Genetic predisposition was previously thought to be the cause of this disease but now it has been observed bacterial or viral infections may be the cause. Over activity of the immunity system because of some infection is regarded as one of causes of this disease. However the exact strain of bacteria or virus which causes this malady is still unidentified. This disease also in not related to any behavioral or dietary patterns.

Symptoms of Arthritis in Children

The symptoms of arthritis in children are diverse and can differ depending upon the severeness of this disease. The onset of the symptoms is usually gradual and in the initial stages of onset of this disease a child can feel rigidness after waking up from the sleep. This is one of the major symptoms of Arthritis in children. Limping, continuous fever and Inflammation in joints are the most prominent symptoms of arthritis.

These symptoms obviously reduce the level of activity of a child. Weight loss, Appetite loss and a lackadaisical attitude are also some minor symptoms of this disease. If a child is suffering from a systemic arthritis, the symptoms may vary. Acute pains in muscles, swelling of eye or heart, rash are the general symptoms of this disease. This condition is also often accompanied by high fever.

Types of Arthritis in Children

Though one can find various types of arthritis, the most common from of arthritis is the juvenile idiopathic arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has many variations which are different from each other because of the symptoms. Children below the age of sixteen year are susceptible to these diseases. Pauciarticular JRA is one of the variations of this disease. Knees are generally affected by this disease.

This disease usually attacks the girls rather than the boys and children below the age of seven years are susceptible to this disease. Another common type of JRA is Polyarticular JRA which can attack a child at any stage of his life. This generally attacks the joints. Systemic onset JRA can be associated with high fever and swelling of the internal organs. These symptoms can help a person to specify the exact form of arthritis that h/she is suffering and hence get over the disease.

Treatment of Arthritis in Children

The main objective of the treatment of Arthritis in Children is to restrain the situation from becoming worse. Maintaining the function and thwarting the damage due to the arthritis are the most important goals of an arthritics treatment. Children who are suffering with polyarticular JRA need to be provided treatment immediately for evading any kind of dire consequences

A non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug is used in the first stage of the treatment and in the later stage Disease modifying drugs are used. If a single joint is swollen, in that case one can use injection in the joint to reduce inflammation. Physiotherapy is another option for maintaining the flexibility of the joints and muscles.

Advice

If a child has pain in joints, is listless and suffers from chronic fatigue chances are that he/she might be afflicted with arthritis. In such a situation one needs to take a child to a reputed medical professional immediately as an early treatment can help a child to evade any kind of damage.