Juvenile idiopathic arthritis or JIA is the most common form of arthritis developed by children. In arthritis the lining tissue of a joint becomes inflamed. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is also called 'juvenile rheumatoid arthritis'. JIA may only occur for a limited period of time in a patient. On the other hand, the disorder may be chronic in some cases.
Initial symptoms of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis are lethargy, a poor appetite and lower rate of physical activity. A child suffering from this disorder may develop a limp. One of the main symptoms of JIA is swelling of the wrist, ankle, knee and small joints. Swelling of the shoulder, hip, jaw, spine and sacroiliac joints are difficult to detect through clinical tests. In such cases MRI and ultrasound tests are conducted on the patient.
The three main types of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis are oligoarticular, polyarticular and systemic JIA. Oligoarticular JIA affects a maximum of 4 joints. Polyarticular JIA affects 5 joints or more in the first few months of the disease.
It usually affects the small joints, jaw and neck.
This type of JIA occurs more in girls than boys. Systemic JIA affects an equal number of boys and girls. Its symptoms are fever and a pink rash. As these symptoms come and go, it is difficult to diagnose the systemic form of JIA.
It is best to approach qualified health professionals for the treatment of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. These include pediatric rheumatologists and physiotherapists. Nurse specialists are able to detect the development of JIA in a child. Occupational therapists and psychologists can help patients and their families to cope with this disorder. Local general practitioners are also able to detect JIA in the early stages which can lead to timely treatment.
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A child suffering from JIA needs tremendous support from the members of his family. Parents and teachers need to be very sensitive to the needs of such children. This is because the development of such a painful disease during childhood can affect the psychology of a child. Intra-articular corticosteroid injections and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most common forms of treatment. arthritisxl.com provides information on arthritis and the cause, symptoms and treatment of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis.
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