Sadly, yes.
While arthritis is usually thought of as a condition for older adults, it can also affect children. While children with arthritis may face the same problems as adults, they might also have to deal more with bone loss and growth issues.
What is juvenile arthritis?
There are over 100 types of arthritis. There are more than 100 types of arthritis. In the United States, approximately 10 million people have it. This makes arthritis a very common cause of disability, pain and loss of mobility.
There are many sub-types of childhood arthritis, but they are all grouped under “juvenile” arthritis. Scientists speculate that some people may be predisposed to developing it.
Children’s bones may be weaker than those of their peers. This can lead to them having the bones of an older person even though they are still young adults. There are also complications that can affect the eyes, skin and muscles of children. If not treated immediately, a condition known as uveitis in the eyes can lead to vision loss. Children must also learn to deal with the emotional consequences of living with a severe disability. Understanding chronic medical conditions such as this can be difficult and overwhelming for young people. It’s therefore important to monitor your child’s mental health as well as their physical health.
How can juvenile arthritis be treated?
Although there is no cure for juvenile arthritis, lifestyle and medication changes can be helpful. Juvenile idiopathic, which is one sub-type, can be remission.
- Although there is no cure for arthritis, it is recommended that children with JA eat a healthy diet that focuses on oils and foods with anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Encourage your child to eat vegetables, fruits, nuts, and healthy oils like olive oil. Foods high in sugars, fried or processed foods, and foods that are rich in fats, such as olive oil, can cause inflammation.
- Many times, doctors will prescribe medication such as NSAIDs to manage arthritis. Because arthritis is a chronic condition, many families in the USA may not be able to afford regular medication. This is why you might consider buying prescription drugs online through a Canadian pharmacy referral site, Rx Connected. International pharmacies and Canadian pharmacies have lower drug prices than the USA.
- Uveitis should be treated immediately. It may not always have symptoms. Parents should regularly take their children to the eye doctor to have them checked out by a professional. Children with arthritis might also need to see the dentist more often, as it can be difficult for them to brush their teeth.
- Children often feel the most pain when they wake up. You can treat morning stiffness by taking a warm bath or shower and performing range-of-motion exercise to reduce pain. The best way to relieve pain is with heat, not cold.
- Exercise is important for children with arthritis. It can strengthen bones and muscles. For those suffering from severe joint pain, swimming or biking might be a good choice.
Daily Life with Juvenile Arthritis
Children with JA might need to learn a sense of responsibility early on in life to be able to do healthy exercises, take their medication on time, and eat right. A child with juvenile arthritis must also be mindful of their mental health. This includes not being able to participate in activities or getting bullied for perceived weakness. It’s okay to seek professional help if your child’s mental well-being is in jeopardy. It is important to seek help early and often.
Encourage children to keep doing the things that they love. Teach them that a disability doesn’t mean they are less competent than others. You may need to be patient and more time.
Encourage children to express their creativity through music, art, and other creative activities. Extracurricular activities such as clubs, sports, or club memberships can help teens build strong relationships with peers and feel connected to their peers.
Although it is important for children to be taught by their parents and doctors about how to best take care of themselves, being too protective is not the solution. Children will one day become adults and will need to learn how to protect their bodies. Coddled children may feel more alone, be teased, and have low self-esteem.
Resources
Keep learning more about arthritis. You will feel more empowered to make informed decisions about your healthcare. This article was based on research from the NHS, Arthritis Foundation and Kids Get Arthritis Too. These are great resources to begin with.
