July is observed as Juvenile Arthritis 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 inflammatory and rheumatic diseases that develop in children who are 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:
- Juvenile myositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness. There are two types:
- Juvenile polymyositis
- Juvenile dermatomyositis
- 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)
- Juvenile scleroderma describes a group of conditions that cause the skin to tighten and harden
- Vasculitis is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels, which can lead to heart disease. According to the Arthritis Foundation, Kawasaki disease and Henoch-Schönlein purpura (HCP) are the most common forms of vasculitis in kids and teens.
- 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 is 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. Some ways it can be diagnosed include:
- Physical exams
- Blood tests
- Imaging scans
There is no cure for arthritis. However, it can be treated. Treatments can include:
- Medications
- Physical or occupational therapies
- Surgery
- Self-care
If your child is experiencing arthritis symptoms, it is important to visit a pediatrician as soon as possible. You can schedule an appointment with Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Pediatric Ambulatory Care Center by calling 718-670-3007.
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.