Juvenile Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis is the most common form of arthritis in children. It may be a mild condition that causes few problems over time, but it can be much more persistent and cause joint and tissue damage in other children. Juvenile arthritis can produce serious complications in more severe cases.
Arthritis is best described by four major changes in the joints that may
develop. The most common features of Juvenile arthritis are: joint inflammation, joint
contracture (stiff, bent joint), joint damage and/or alteration or
change in growth. Other symptoms include joint stiffness following rest
or decreased activity level (also referred to morning stiffness or
gelling), and weakness in muscles and other soft tissues around involved
joints. However, because Juvenile arthritis affects each child differently, your child
may not experience all of these changes. Children also vary in the
degree to which they are affected by any particular symptom.
The signs and symptoms of Juvenile arthritis vary from child to child, and even from day
to day in the same child! This is an important fact for parents,
caretakers and teachers (especially gym teachers) to keep in mind when
working with children who have Juvenile arthritis.
There is no single test to diagnose Juvenile arthritis. The diagnosis is made when there
has been persistent
arthritis in one or more joints for at least 6 weeks
after other possible illnesses have been ruled out. Sometimes, a variety
of tests may be necessary to come to a firm diagnosis. Once your child's
physician suspects or makes this diagnosis, your child may be referred
to a pediatric rheumatologist. This is a physician who specializes in
the diagnosis and treatment of children with
arthritis and
arthritis-related conditions.
The type of arthritis is usually determined based on the symptoms your
child has had during the first 6 months of the illness. The 3 major
types of Juvenile arthritis are: pauciarticular which affects 4 or fewer joints;
polyarticular Juvenile arthritis which affects 5 or more joints; and systemic onset
Juvenile arthritis
which affects at least one joint but causes inflammation of internal
organs as well
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