Rheumaroid Arthritis In Children

Contrary to popular belief, rheumatoid arthritis is very common in children under the age of 16. This type of rheumatoid arthritis is known as Idiopathic arthritis, and it is significantly different from the disease typically found in adults. The good news is that in most cases of the disease, several treatment options are available to make living with it more tolerable.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can present itself with poor appetite, reduced physical activity, as well as lethargy and tiredness. Limping and flu like symptoms are also very common in children suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis. Swelling in joints such as the knees, wrists, ankles etc is also witnessed in such patients. Children might not be able to describe the pain and mornings stiffness associated commonly with this disease. If not treated early, it might cause joint damage as well as joint contracture. It can also cause front eye inflammation leading to scars, cataracts and even blindness, and a reduced rate of growth.

Delayed treatment can further complicate the symptoms and can cause joint deformities, as well as other serious and irreversible complications. The cause of this autoimmune disease is unknown. However, it is said to have a genetic predisposition more common in females.

A combination of diagnostic tests including x-rays, blood tests, symptom analysis is used for diagnosis of this disease. However, in children it is difficult because these common diagnostic tests might not be affective. That is why joint fluid is aspirated and analyzed which often helps in actual diagnosis of this disease.

Since rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, a series of treatment plans are introduced in children. The aim of this aggressive treatment is to help children live a normal life with active physical and social activities. Physical therapy, social support as well as pain management strategies are the main parts of this treatment plan. For juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs as well as intra-articular corticosteroid injections are used such as Methotrexate etc. New generation of TNF Alpha blockers like Etanercept are also used for children.

Physical therapy is always helpful in children; this is why a series of exercise programs are recommended for affected children. Diet modifications also help in minimizing the symptoms and complications of this disease. Surgery as in other adult cases of the disease is the last resort to treat certain severe cases of this disease. The aim of the surgery is to remove scars, as well as to improve the functioning of the joints.