Rheumatoid Arthritis Affects People of All Ages
When most of us think about arthritis we picture it affecting elderly people. However, in reality, this disease can strike people of any age. Many elementary and middle school children around the country suffer from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is characterized by swelling, pain, and tenderness in various joints and can make it difficult for children to play in the schoolyard or learn how to ride a bike. While this is a very difficult condition for children to live with it is treatable and many cases do not last more than a few years.
The mildest form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is classified as pauciarticular. Children with this condition, mainly girls under the age of ten, will typically see fewer than four joints affected. These children will remain in good health (other than the condition) and symptoms typically subside within five years.
Arthritis characterized as polyarticular affects five or more joints and can last up to ten years. While still treatable, this condition is serious and can sometimes retard skeletal growth. Even more serious than this condition is systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Along with the traditional symptoms, children who suffer from this condition experience a spiked fever and a rheumatoid rash. Medical assistance is required to limit the long-term health effects this condition can have on children.
If a child has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis it does not mean that he or she will develop adult rheumatoid arthritis. Studies have shown that 90 percent of children who suffer from this condition will not develop arthritis as adults. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not a progressive, degenerative disease and the vast majority of children with the disease will recover.
There are many treatment options available for this condition. Physicians and physical therapists recommend exercise in order to encourage growth and improve the range of motion of the affected joints. Anti-inflammatory and pain medications are often prescribed to patients during the rehabilitation process. Living with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can be very difficult but with proper care many children suffering from this condition can make a full recovery.
