The most prevalent form of arthritis that impacts children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This type of arthritis is very persistent and can affect joints in each part of the body. What happens is the synovium, which is the tissue lining the interior of the join, is accidentally targeted by the immune system. The synovium counteracts by creating more fluid than needs, leading to the inflammation, stiffness, and pain that is commonly associated with arthritis.

There are three subsets of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: pauciarticular arthritis, systemic arthritis, and polyarticular arthritis.

Polyarticular, Pauciarticular And Systemic Arthritis

Each subtype is based on the number of joints and symptoms. When five joints or more are affected by arthritis, this is referred to as polyarticular arthritis. If four joints or less are affected, then it’s known as pauciarticular arthritis. Systematic arthritis is described by a high fever that is spiking, and the presence of rashes in addition to joint inflammation. The amount of joints affected varies.

Causes

What is still yet unknown is what causes juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Some of the theories proposed include infection, genetics, and factors related to the immune system. What it is not is a hereditary disease. If you are a parent, there are a number of symptoms to keep an eye out for to tell if your child possibly has juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Some of the most common symptoms include inflammation, tenderness, and swelling the joints. They may be limited in their movements, have stiffness, as well as fatigue, and possibly blurred vision.

As opposed to adult rheumatoid arthritis, larger joint areas are affected by juvenile arthritis including knees, wrists, and ankles. However, smaller joints aren’t affected nearly as much.

Children are not the only ones that are affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Families are very much impacted by this condition. Each person in the family should accept responsibility to help the child control the stiffness and pain. By being aware of the symptoms involved with arthritis, as a parent you can make the proper decisions that will help your child deal with the condition.

Diagnosis

Getting your child diagnosed is the first step however, and while there are no tests available that will diagnose juvenile idiopathic arthritis, there are warning signs in the form of symptoms. Diagnoses is done by exclusion, meaning all other causes and diseases are ruled out first.

Treatment

The treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis is targeted to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, improve the strength and mobility of the joints, and prevent further complications and damage. This is done through exercise and medication.

Outlook

The outlook overall is positive for those with juvenile arthritis, but each child is affected differently. The severity for some is very mild and easily controlled, while for others it is more serious and may be prolonged. Early detection is a big help in order to manage inflammation, avoiding further joint damage, and maintaining normal levels of functioning.