Arthritis that affects kids and young folks is often referred to as ‘Juvenile Arthritis’(JA). Juvenile Arthritis is also known as ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis’.
Juvenile means young and JA is different from the arthritis that adults get.
Arthritis in children is an inflammatory situation caused by autoimmune infection. Juvenile Arthritis related pain may possibly develop in the joints, generally on both knees or both feet, mostly after a long day of tiring and exhausting activity.
Further, Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects children under age 16.
Here are some common symptoms of arthritis arise in kids. Have a look.
Pain: The most common symptom of arthritis is ‘Pain’ in joints. Kids often experience joint pains or muscle pains in the morning when they wake up.
This is the basic symptom kids face if they are having or developing arthritis. Parents should note that kids who suffer pain usually complain after he or she wakes up in the morning or after a day nap.
Not to mention, the pain might occur anywhere in the body part, it might be on their knees, feet, hands, neck or even in the jaw joint.
There are numerous pain relief drugs available in the market, but they might not cure this disease completely.
Swelling: Another major problem in children is ‘swelling’, because of arthritis. Swelling occurs when fluid stores in soft tissues. Swelling around joints is the foremost sign of inflammation. Swelling is the condition, when you notice redness on the child’s skin. So if your child has arthritis, your child might complain that their joints feel burning and scorching. Some children might even feel warm to the touch. A child’s swelling may persist for numerous days and may affect their knees, hands, and feet.
Stiffness: A child with arthritis may have stiff joints and this stiffness occur especially in the morning. Stiffness might be worse right after your child wakes up and starts moving. And to control the stiffness, a child may hold his or her arm and leg in the same position. Sometimes, children between 2 to 5 years cannot perform normal activities, which is challenging for parents as well as for those children.
Fevers: During the onset of fever, children with arthritis may possibly feel ill along with aches and stiffness. A child with arthritis may have persistent fevers, which make them feel fatigue. The fevers come suddenly and disappear without warning.
Other symptoms include Joint Tenderness, Fatigue, Joint Redness, Joint Warmth and Loss of Joint Range Of Motion.
(The author- Dr. Avtar Singh is D.Ortho, MS, MCh Ortho, Chief Orthopaedic Surgeon Bone & Joint Replacement Specialist, at Amandeep Hospital)
