What You Didn’t Know About Children and Arthritis

What are the main forms of arthritis?

There are three common types: infectious arthritis, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune arthritis: Infectious arthritis occurs when a bacteria or virus enters the joint and multiplies, causing painful symptoms in and around the joints. Osteoarthritis is the breakdown of joints after years of wear and tear and generally develops in older patients. Autoimmune arthritis is the process by which the immune system gets confused and attacks the "self", or in this case, the lining of the joint space. Juvenile arthritis is a form of autoimmune arthritis.

What are the most common symptoms?

Symptoms of arthritis in children can vary depending on the type of arthritis they have, but some of the most common symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and loss of function in the affected joints. Children with arthritis may also have fever, fatigue, weight loss, and rash. It's important to see a doctor if your child experiences these symptoms to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What is morning stiffness?

This is actually one of the most telling signs of arthritis. If you've ever made jelly, you know that you start with a liquid that, after refrigeration, turns into a solid. In the case of inflammation, your joints develop this inflammatory "jelly", similar to jelly, which solidifies and becomes more solid when you sleep or sit for a while. When you wake up or try to move, you experience a feeling of stiffness that resolves as you move and break down the more solid substance into liquid.

As a parent, how can you tell if your child is just "exaggerating" some of their pains or if it's an underlying health issue waiting for a proper diagnosis and treatment? You should try not to focus on every little symptom. Rather, if a child complains about something specific (such as a joint on one side of the body), something daily, something that gets worse at certain times of the day, or something that impairs their function, it's really worth making an appointment with a pediatrician. Persistent limping, swelling, and, for example, the inability to hold a toothbrush due to finger pain are all examples of warning symptoms.

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What causes juvenile arthritis?

There is no known cause of arthritis; however, research has shown that there are genetic and environmental components that contribute to the development of juvenile arthritis in children. When we think about the genetic contribution to the development of idiopathic juvenile arthritis, the most common type of arthritis in children, it is helpful to look at studies of siblings. In identical twins, who have exactly the same genes, there is a 44% chance that both siblings will be affected if one of them is. In siblings who share the same parents but are not identical twins, there is a 4% chance that both siblings will be affected if one of them is diagnosed. In addition, the prevalence in the general population is approximately 0.01%. So it is clear that there are genetic factors, which has been confirmed by recent studies. The fact that identical twins do not have a 100% concordance means that genes alone do not tell the whole story - there are other factors that scientists are still trying to understand.

How is a child diagnosed with this disease?

Diagnosis is based on a physical examination. Examination findings, such as limited range of motion or swelling, may be clues. However, findings are often subtle. It is not uncommon for a child to present for knee swelling and the physician to find other involved joints that parents had not noticed. About 20% of children do not complain of pain in the affected joint. Imaging studies, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, may be helpful complementary studies in some cases. Blood tests do not diagnose arthritis, although they may provide information about prognosis; arthritis cannot be either diagnosed or ruled out based on laboratory tests alone. This is why diagnosis can sometimes be difficult.

Many children are often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed?

Due to its rarity, it is not a problem that all pediatricians think about or keep in mind, especially since children are prone to trauma and tend to fall or injure themselves. So, if a parent or pediatrician notices a problem with a joint or limb, many will first think that a traumatic incident has occurred. Consequently, children are often underdiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or diagnosed later.

What happens if juvenile arthritis is not diagnosed?

Juvenile arthritis is a chronic disease that can affect the quality of life of children if it is not diagnosed and treated properly. Children who do not receive treatment may experience joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness, which can lead to loss of mobility and decreased muscle strength. Children with undiagnosed juvenile arthritis may also develop growth and developmental problems. It is therefore essential that parents be attentive to symptoms and promptly consult a physician if their child shows signs of arthritis.

How is juvenile arthritis treated?

The treatment of juvenile arthritis depends on the type of arthritis and the severity of the disease. The goal of treatment is to reduce pain, inflammation, and prevent joint damage. Treatment options may include anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, disease-modifying drugs, biologic medications, and physical therapies such as physiotherapy and occupational therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace damaged joints. It is important to work closely with a pediatric rheumatologist to develop a treatment plan tailored to each child's needs.

Can the disease disappear in a child?

Juvenile arthritis is a chronic disease that can last for years, or even a lifetime. However, in some children, the disease may disappear spontaneously, particularly in cases of less severe forms. This can also occur after appropriate treatment. It is important to note that the disappearance of the disease does not guarantee that it will not reappear later in the child's life. It is therefore important to regularly follow the prescribed treatment and monitor the child's health.

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