Arthritis is a common disease nowadays and the children are not spared too. So beware! If your child often complains of pains and rashes, then he or she may be suffering from Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis or JRA.
What is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis ( JRA)?
Juvenile Rheumatoid arthritis or commonly known as JRA is the most commonly form of arthritis found in children under 16 years. An early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. In United States, approximately 50,000 children suffer from JRA.
Causes
No definitive reason has been found for the cause of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Research tells us that it is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, white blood cells cannot perform their function to differentiate between the body's own healthy cells and harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. The immune system, instead of protection of body, releases chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and cause inflammation and pain.
Types
Usually , juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can be detected between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. Doctors say that the more the number of joints affected, the more serious is the situation and there is less chances of total remission.
The three major types of JRA are:
Polyarticular arthritis, which affects more girls than boys. Symptoms include swelling or pain in 5 or more joints. The small joints of the hands as well as the large joints such as the knees, hips, ankles are affected. A low-grade fever and bumps or nodules may also appear.
Pauciarticular JRA, affecting four or fewer joints. Symptoms are like that of Polyarticular arthritis, though fever may not happen.
An inflammation of the iris (the colored area of the eye) may occur.
Systemic JRA affecting the whole body. Swelling, pain, and stiffness occur in many of the body's joints. Symptoms include high fevers and rashes that often come and go. The spleen and lymph nodes may also become enlarged.
Signs and Symptoms
The first signs of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis can be subtle or obvious. The first signs often are pain, swelling and stiffness of joints like hips, neck or knee or even limping or sore finger and wrist. There may sudden appearances of rashes and fever for short durations.
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Diagnosis
To diagnose JRA, the doctor will take a detailed medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. The doctor may order X-rays or other tests that may include:
CBC (complete blood count), Bone marrow examination, Erythrocyte sedimentation rate,
ANA (antinuclear antibody), a bone scan and examination of of joint fluid
Treatment
JRA may be treated with a combination of medication, physical therapy, and exercise. In specific situations, your child may require injection of corticosteroids into the joint or surgery.
While nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen are usually used for treatment, other medicines might be given according to the condition of the child. An appropriate physical therapy program is essential as the therapist would tell the specific exercises that needed to be done.
Regular exercises like walking, cycling, swimming are also necessary as it will help to keep the muscles and joints flexible. Always be careful to make warm up through stretching before exercising. Making exercise a family activity can increase the level of fun and enthusiasm.
With balanced diet, regular exercise and proper medication, your child can get permanently cured of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Go through the site arthritisxl.com to have more information on Other Types of Arthritis
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