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Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

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July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. Arthritis isn’t just an older person’s disease. Children can suffer from it as well.

Juvenile arthritis or pediatric rheumatic disease is an umbrella term that describes the inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children 16 years and under.

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the joints instead of fighting viruses and germs. It is the most common type of arthritis in children.

Other types of juvenile arthritis include:

  1. Juvenile myositis- is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:
  • Juvenile polymyositis
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis
  1. Juvenile lupus- is an autoimmune disease that affects the joints, skin, internal organs, and other areas. The most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
  2. Juvenile scleroderma- describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden.
  3. Vasculitis- is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels that can lead to heart complications. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HCP) are the most common vasculitis in kids and teens.
  4. Fibromyalgia- is a chronic pain syndrome that causes widespread muscle pain and stiffness. It also causes fatigue, disrupted sleep, and other symptoms. It is more common in girls and rarely diagnosed before puberty.

The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can vary depending on the type. The most common symptoms include:

  • Joint pain
  • Joint swelling
  • Joint stiffness
  • Fever, swollen lymph nodes, and rash

It can be difficult to diagnose juvenile arthritis in children because joint pain can be caused by many different problems. Here are some ways it is diagnosed:

  • Physical exams
  • Blood tests
  • Imaging scans

There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments include:

  • Medications
  • Physical or occupational therapies
  • Surgery
  • Self-care

If you believe your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, visiting a pediatrician as soon as possible is important. You can schedule an appointment at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists by calling (718) 704-5020

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

What Can Cause Delayed Puberty in Children?

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Puberty typically starts between the ages of 9 and 14 for boys and between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls. However, some children may experience this process later than normal. This usually does not indicate a medical problem, but in some cases, it can be caused by genetic factors or an underlying condition.

Delayed puberty is defined as a lack of increase in testicle size by the age of 14 for boys and a lack of increase in breast development by the age of 13 for girls. Even if a child is experiencing other indicators of puberty, such as public hair growth or body odor, they may still meet the definition of delayed puberty.

Some of the medical conditions that can cause delayed puberty include cardiac problems, celiac disease, Klinefelter syndrome (in boys), Turner syndrome (in girls), and conditions that disrupt normal hormonal processes. Delayed puberty may also result from hereditary factors. If one or both of a child’s parents experienced puberty at a slower rate than most children, it is more likely that it will happen to that child, as well.

Many cases of delayed puberty (particularly in boys) are also associated with constitutional growth delay (CGD). CGD causes skeletal growth to be temporarily delayed. While potentially alarming, this delay is recognized as a normal part of physical development for some children and is not a cause for concern.

Treatment for delayed puberty often involves hormone therapy to jumpstart the overall process. However, it also partially depends on the factors that are causing it to occur. If the delay is the result of an underlying medical problem, treatment will also need to focus on resolving or managing that problem. Aside from a physical examination, these problems can be diagnosed through x-ray imaging (to look at bone development) and blood tests (to check hormone levels and identify signs of underlying disorders).

If your child is experiencing delayed puberty, you can visit a pediatric endocrinologist at Forest Hills Pediatric Specialists. To schedule an appointment, please call (718) 704-5020.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.