Most people probably do not realize that there are more than one hundred distinct forms of arthritis. Another little known fact is that the ailment is not restricted to adults and can sometimes affect children too. Though unusual, children can contract a form of the ailment called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Adult rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis often have the same symptoms. But you should know that there are certain differences in addition.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis usually causes inflamed joints for a period of about a month and a half. This is actually a common form of the ailment that manifests pretty well as often as does adult onset arthritis. As shown by statistics, a quarter of the population will develop arthritis during their life span.
If medical attention is not sought, this kind of arthritis can develop complications that can endanger one’s life. Children can experience a lot of forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These are categorized according to the joints that are impacted, along with the symptoms that the child is experiencing.
The most common symptoms are swollen joints together with pain and stiffness. Your child may suffer from abnormal pain or swelling in the bones and joints. This normally takes place after intense physical activity. Visually, the swelling is the most apparent symptom. Most of the time, the area that is swollen becomes reddened and sensitive. Afflicted joints can have devastating and painful effects on children, from limiting their range of motion to making it impossible for them to move the joints at all.
Children with rheumatoid arthritis often have fevers and rashes as symptoms. The fever that sometimes sets in is typically high and may dissipate without taking any medicine. If these symptoms continue, you can be certain it is not just a normal cold or flu bug. Instead of just running their course and then disappearing for good, they’ll soon return. The rash that your child may experience is light pink in color and might show up and then disappear at any time.
Eye inflammation often occurs in children who go through juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The symptoms include swelling and reddening of the eyes particularly around the iris. This is a symptom that happens almost exclusively in juvenile arthritis, therefore you are not likely to mistakenly associate it with another illness. Often showing no other signs of illness, children who experience this symptom usually have pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which can eventually cause blindness.
If you ever notice these symptoms, you should get medical care for your child immediately. It’s imperative to seek proper medical attention for any symptoms of juvenile arthritis. Your doctor will be able to advise you of the best way to get arthritis pain relief for your child.
The problem of arthritis isn’t confined to the elderly. It can also develop in younger people. Because of the painful and distressing nature of this disease, many people are becoming concerned about what causes it and how to cope with it. If you’re one of them, visit Arthritis Relief to find out how you can manage this serious ailment.
