If you think arthritis only afflicts older adults, think again. March is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, and approximately 61,500 Canadian children and youth have arthritis, according to the Arthritis Society. Children as young as two can be diagnosed with the disease.
Although there are several types of juvenile arthritis, the most common is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). Early symptoms of JIA can include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, fevers and fatigue.
“Symptoms of JIA are usually chronic. Rheumatologists look for this because there are so many things that can cause acute joint pain and swelling,” says Dr. Grant Syverson, assistant professor of pediatrics in the allergy, immunology and rheumatology division at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“In addition to chronic symptoms, I look for morning pain and stiffness every day or most days, persistent joint swelling, decreased range of motion and pain that often improves with activities.”
You might be tempted to dismiss your child’s complaints as growing pains, but there are key differences. Classic growing pains are not always joint centered, typically occur in the evening or at night, improve quickly, often respond to massage or over-the-counter pain medications and have a normal physical exam and laboratory evaluation, according to Syverson. With growing pains, the pain itself should not occur every evening, as opposed to arthritis, which when active will be present daily, he added.
There is no cure for JIA, but it’s important to diagnose the condition early as it may lessen joint damage and prevent other complications such as uveitis, an eye condition that can cause blindness.
“JIA is a diagnosis based upon history and physical exam. Lab results can be helpful, but there is no diagnostic blood test for children with arthritis,” Syverson says.
The goal of treatment is to relieve inflammation, control pain and improve your child’s quality of life. Most treatment plans involve a combination of medication, physical activity, eye care and healthy eating. For more information, visit the Arthritis Society website at www.arthritis.ca/aboutarthritis.
Laura is a freelance writer specializing in parenting issues. She and her husband have two young children and a giant Bernese Mountain Dog.
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