Juvenile Arthritis: When it Hurts to be a Kid
by Jennifer Bunn, RN
Juvenile arthritis can be defined as a form of arthritis that affects children. Juvenile arthritis is not an uncommon disease of childhood; in fact, almost 290,000 children are affected by juvenile arthritis or other rhematologic conditions.
Symptoms of juvenile arthritis are similar to those experienced by adults:
- Pain in one or more joints
- Swelling
- Redness
- Limited movement in a joint
- Damage to a joint or bone, resulting in deformity
- Diminished growth of a joint or bone, resulting in a shortened stature
- Eye inflammation (uveitis)
- Fever
- Rash
As in adults, the cause of JA is often unknown. Blood tests are often helpful in making the diagnosis. Children with JA should be seen by a specialist in rheumatology, especially due to the fact that their growth can be disrupted. Managing pain and preventing deformity, as well as maximizing functional capacity, are the goals of treatment. Different medications can be used to suppress symptoms but may also have important side effects, such as stunting of growth, which is why medical management by a specialist is recommended.
Source: Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
