The elderly aren’t the only people who suffer from arthritis. Children and teens can be diagnosed, too, and early detection and treatment helps lessen arthritis symptom severity over time.
May marks Arthritis Awareness Month, a time to learn the ins and outs of a condition often clouded by misconceptions. One of the fallacies surrounding arthritis involves the age of onset. Arthritis is almost always portrayed as afflicting seniors, but in reality, it can impact anyone at any stage in their life—including children.
According to University of Rochester pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Homaira Rahimi, about 300,000 American children suffer from some form of arthritis or similar joint disease. Around 50,000 of these children deal with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JID), the most common manifestation of the condition in kids. JID is popularly referred to as “childhood arthritis” or “pediatric arthritis.”
Myths portraying arthritis as a disease exclusive to the elderly make it difficult for parents to recognize what may sit at the root of their child’s body pain. If childhood arthritis goes unaddressed, it could lead to permanent joint damage and even disability. Concerned parents should keep an eye out for possible symptoms, understand how they present in kids, and explore available treatment options. Being proactive in spotting pediatric arthritis prevents future suffering, allowing kids to live full lives with reduced pain.
Symptoms of Childhood Arthritis
Childhood arthritis can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms vary in severity over time. Arthritis alternates between “flares,” or periods of worsened symptoms, and “remission,” or periods where the patient feels relatively normal.
The main symptoms of childhood arthritis include:
- Difficulty with daily motor activities such as getting dressed, brushing their teeth, and walking
- Inflammation, most commonly in the eyes
- Joint pain
- Dwindling appetite
- Fatigue
- Swelling, most commonly in the joints
- Rashes
- Hesitation to use a particular arm or leg
- Stiffness, especially after waking up
- Limping
- Persistent fever
If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, we recommend scheduling an appointment with a pediatric rheumatologist, a doctor specializing in childhood autoimmune disorders.
Concerned parents should also keep the flare and remission cycle in mind when observing arthritis symptoms in their child. Even if your little one seems fine after a while, that may mean they’re experiencing a remission state, not that the condition has cleared up on its own. Watch for ebbs and flows in symptom severity, as this is the strongest indicator that your child could possibly have arthritis.
Treatment for Childhood Arthritis
The root cause of pediatric arthritis remains unknown. Some medical professionals theorize that the condition may stem from issues with the immune system leading to inflammation. Childhood arthritis cannot be cured at this point in time, however it can be placed in permanent remission if caught early enough and with the right course of treatment.
Pediatric rheumatologists diagnose childhood arthritis through a series of x-rays, a physical, and lab tests. From there, the doctor will design a treatment plan involving pain management medication, infusion therapy, or a combination of the two.
Emergency Care for Baytown Children
The term “childhood arthritis” may sound frightening or confusing to some parents, given its association with the elderly. However, it’s a common condition in kids, and one with multiple treatment options to facilitate pain mitigation. A pediatric rheumatologist can provide a diagnosis and treatment options for your child’s relief and your own peace of mind.
If your child is experiencing severe pain and requires emergency attention, our address is 10133 Interstate 10 East, Baytown, TX 77521.