Juvenile Arthritis: Unknown Causes

Juvenile arthritis is the term given to arthritis which effects younger generations, even children. Arthritis is obviously more common in older persons where wear and tear, injury and joint inflammation are clear factors in terms of cause. This condition has its own specific set of symptoms and causes.

Juvenile arthritis has recently been termed ‘juvenile idiopathic arthritis', because there is currently no known active reason or cause for the condition. It has however been suggested that genetics and environmental factors may play a significant role in the appearance of this condition.

Juvenile arthritis is very unique in comparison with more common forms of adult arthritis, and forms which affects children until they reach adulthood. This condition has no obvious symptoms which a doctor can easily diagnose, further to this it may be quite difficult for the child suffering to communicate the pain they are feeling. There are some basic signs which are evident in children suffering from juvenile arthritis: reduced interest in exercise, lethargy, decreased appetite, ‘limping' movements, and swollen joints specifically in the wrist, hands, knee, ankle and feet.

Juvenile arthritis has been classified into 3 categories: oligoarticular, polyarticular, and systemic.

Oligoarticular only affects 4 or less joints, polyarticular affects 5 or more joints and usually involves smaller joints such as the neck and jaw, and finally systemic affects joints that rely on internal organs to function. This last type is specifically hard to diagnose, and the symptoms may come in the form of a rash which comes and goes. The only real means to diagnose which form your child has is via medical imaging in the form of an X-Ray or MRI.

Treatment for this difficult condition is possible through therapy and medication. The first step for treatment is to contact your doctor or physician. Juvenile arthritis is specifically delicate as it involves children, so communication becomes an issue, and it is always better to be cautious if any symptoms present themselves. Early diagnosis is the key to treatment, so if your child complains of any possible symptom, take them to your doctor/physician ASAP. It will be better to preferably rule out juvenile arthritis earlier as a cause for your child's symptoms.

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