Health Guide

What is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Written by Mystic on Monday, January 21, 2008

What Is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis ?

Typically Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis appears between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. The first signs are often joint pain or swelling, and reddened or warm joints. The type of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis a child has is generally determined by the pattern of symptoms that occurs within the first 6 months after symptoms appear.

The symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis eventually disappear in about 50% of these children, but with the current knowledge it is difficult to predict who will most likely outgrow the disease. Many doctors specializing in joint disorders, find that the more joints affected, the more severe the disease and the less likely that the symptoms will eventually go into total remission.

The classification of JRA includes three major types (with some subtypes):

• Polyarticular arthritis affects more girls than boys. Symptoms include swelling or pain in five or more joints. The small joints of the hands are affected as well as the weight-bearing joints such as the knees, hips, ankles, feet, and neck. In addition, a low-grade fever may appear, as well as bumps or nodules on the body on areas subjected to pressure from sitting or leaning.

• Pauciarticular Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis affects fewer than four joints. Symptoms include pain, stiffness, or swelling of affected joints, the knee and wrist joints being the most commonly affected. In this subtype of JRA, an inflammation of the iris (the colored area of the eye) may occur with or without active joint symptoms. This inflammation, called iridocyclitis or iritis, can be detected early by an ophthalmologist.

• Systemic Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the whole body. Symptoms include high fevers that often increase in the evenings, and then may suddenly drop to normal. During the onset of fever, the child may feel very ill, appear pale, or develop a rash. The rash may suddenly disappear, and then quickly appear again. The spleen and lymph nodes may also become enlarged. Eventually many of the body's joints are affected by swelling, pain, and stiffness.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - MayoClinic

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis - Cause - Diagnosis - Symptoms

Does My Child Have Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Written by Mystic on Monday, January 21, 2008

Physical injuries and illnesses such as Lyme disease can mimic JRA. Many viral infections can cause self-limiting (going away on its own) arthritis. If the arthritis has not cleared within 6 weeks, your child's doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist or other specialist.

The first signs of arthritis may be subtle or obvious. Signs may include limping or a sore wrist, finger, or knee. Joints may suddenly swell and remain enlarged. Stiffness in the neck, hips, or other joints can also occur. Rashes may suddenly appear and disappear, developing in one area and then another. High fevers that tend to spike in the evenings and suddenly disappear are characteristic of systemic JRA.

Consult your child's doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Determining if your child has JRA starts with taking a detailed medical history and a thorough physical examination. Your child's doctor may take X-rays or perform blood tests to exclude other conditions that can mimic JRA. On some occasions, your child's doctor may want an orthopedic surgeon to examine your child's joints and take samples of joint fluid or the lining of the joints, for examination and testing.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Exercise

Written by Mystic on Monday, January 21, 2008

Treating Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is treated with a combination of medication, physical therapy, and exercise. In specific situations, your child may require surgery or injections into the joint. The goals of treatment are to relieve pain and inflammation, slow down or prevent the destruction of joints, and restore use and function of affected joints in order to promote optimal growth, physical activity, and social and emotional development in your child.

Regular Exercise for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

When pain strikes, it's natural for your child to want to sit still. But it's very important to maintain a regular exercise program, especially for those with arthritis. Muscles must be kept strong and healthy so they can help support and protect joints. Regular exercise also helps to maintain range of motion of joints and prevent cycles of pain and depression.

At home and at school, your child should maintain regular exercise and physical fitness programs to his or her tolerance. Safe activities include walking, swimming, and bicycling (especially on indoor stationary bikes). Always be certain your child warms up his or her muscles through stretching before exercising. Making exercise a family activity can increase the level of fun and enthusiasm.

Consult your child's doctor and physical therapist about sports restrictions. Some sports, especially impact sports, can be hazardous to weakened joints and bones. In addition, be certain your child eats a balanced diet that includes plenty of calcium to promote bone health.

With early diagnosis and proper treatment, children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can lead normal lives. Understanding the disease and its treatment is the first step in that direction.

What Causes Juvenile Rheumatoid (Idiopathic) Arthritis

Written by Mystic on Monday, January 21, 2008

It may begin with a swollen knuckle, a spiking fever, or an unexplainable rash. But no matter what symptoms appear; hearing the word "arthritis" used, as a diagnosis for your child can be unexpected and confusing.

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that is characterized by swelling, heat, and pain. It can be short-term or chronic. In rare cases, it can last a lifetime. Juvenile arthritis, or JA, is the term used for all the types of arthritis that affect children. Although we often associate this disorder with the elderly, many forms of arthritis afflict children. The most prevalent form of juvenile arthritis is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, or JRA

What Causes Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

The medical community doesn't know exactly what causes rheumatoid arthritis (also referred to as idiopathic arthritis) in children. Research indicates that it is an autoimmune disease. In autoimmune diseases, white blood cells lose the ability to tell the difference between the body's own healthy cells and tissues and the harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses. The immune system, which is supposed to protect the body from these harmful invaders, instead releases chemicals that can damage healthy tissues and cause inflammation and pain.

To effectively manage and minimize the effects of arthritis, an early and accurate diagnosis is essential. There are several types of JRA. Understanding the symptoms and characteristics of these subtypes of JRA is the first step you can take in helping your child to maintain an active, productive lifestyle.