Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is commonly identified as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. It is reported as one of the most commonly occurring childhood condition, affecting children below 16 years of age.
It is an autoimmune condition associated with the destruction of the body’s own immune system particularly the joints. The condition can be temporary, wherein symptoms can be experienced only for a few months; or can be progressive, causing tissue destruction for rest of their lives.
Genetics, as well as environmental factors, are responsible for malfunctioning of the immune system. Other factors that primarily trigger the hypersensitivity reaction include age, sex, and ethnicity.
Signs And Symptoms
- Severe joint pain
- Difficulty in movements
- Pain in their legs or joints
- Limping while trying to walk
- Swelling in the joints mainly the knees
- Fever, swollen lymph nodes and rashes
- Stiffness in the joints
Diagnosis And Treatment
Diagnosis of juvenile arthritis is difficult, as joint pain can be caused due to different types of problems. There is no single test to confirm a diagnosis, but certain the test can help to rule out other conditions which show similar signs and symptoms.
Treatment aim at helping the child handle with a normal level of physical activity. Doctors may prescribe non-steroidal medicines, disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs along with certain corticosteroids to reduce pain, promote function and lower joint damage.
