Part of aging is realizing our bodies do not work like they used to.
Doing things we used to take for granted, such as exercising or working in the yard, take a higher toll on us, and it takes us much longer to recover. This is an expected part of growing older, but hundreds of thousands of children also feel this often debilitating pain.
Juvenile arthritis is a reality that starts out as a minor discomfort, but can develop into a disabling condition.
Juvenile arthritis causes joints to become inflamed, which limits their range of motion. It is an autoimmune disease which can affect the rate of growth in children because it strikes just when young bodies are growing. The effects can be minor or severe, depending on the child and the type of juvenile arthritis from which they suffer.
Joint stiffness that is apparent upon waking up in the morning is a very common sign of this disease.
This and other signs may indicate that a child has juvenile arthritis. Since there is no one single test for this disease, doctors must rule out other possible causes for joint stiffness and pain. Barring other conditions, and providing the symptoms last for six weeks or more, then the child is usually diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
Most often, a pediatric rheumatologist will be the one to finalize the diagnosis, as they specialize in arthritis in children.
Joint pain is difficult for anyone to handle, especially children. Juvenile arthritis can limit their physical growth or participation in certain activities. Parents and care providers are a key component in helping children deal with this disease and its effects.
Three types of juvenile arthritis can afflict a young body. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects four or fewer joints; polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects five or more joints; and systemic onset juvenile arthritis affects at least one joint and causes inflammation of internal organs as well.
The goal of juvenile arthritis treatment is to relieve pain and treat symptoms. First, inflammation must be controlled. It is also important to try to minimize joint damage and to retain mobility.
It is important to keep the joints relaxed and quell any swelling. Exercise is useful in achieving this and will be included in a child's treatment.
Exercise can be used in conjunction with relaxation techniques characteristic of yoga and meditation to help ease the stress within the joints. Splints can also be used during hours of sleep to prevent morning stiffness.
It is important to consult with specialists in juvenile arthritis, particularly if the child's condition is severe.
It is important that these specialists as well as the primary care physician routinely check the child. Juvenile arthritis can affect the entire body, including internal organs, so it is vital that any signs of inflammation are examined promptly.
Psychologists are commonly employed, as the child's inability to perform age specific tasks without assistance may trigger depression.
For parents and caregivers, it is important to acknowledge the child's feelings, and yet help the child focus on what they can do instead of what they cannot.
Stress often exacerbates physical illnesses, and that is certainly true of juvenile arthritis. It can impede treatment and health. Minimizing the stress of any child suffering from juvenile arthritis is essential when helping them deal with this illness.
Doing things we used to take for granted, such as exercising or working in the yard, take a higher toll on us, and it takes us much longer to recover. This is an expected part of growing older, but hundreds of thousands of children also feel this often debilitating pain.
Juvenile arthritis is a reality that starts out as a minor discomfort, but can develop into a disabling condition.
Juvenile arthritis causes joints to become inflamed, which limits their range of motion. It is an autoimmune disease which can affect the rate of growth in children because it strikes just when young bodies are growing. The effects can be minor or severe, depending on the child and the type of juvenile arthritis from which they suffer.
Joint stiffness that is apparent upon waking up in the morning is a very common sign of this disease.
This and other signs may indicate that a child has juvenile arthritis. Since there is no one single test for this disease, doctors must rule out other possible causes for joint stiffness and pain. Barring other conditions, and providing the symptoms last for six weeks or more, then the child is usually diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.
Most often, a pediatric rheumatologist will be the one to finalize the diagnosis, as they specialize in arthritis in children.
Joint pain is difficult for anyone to handle, especially children. Juvenile arthritis can limit their physical growth or participation in certain activities. Parents and care providers are a key component in helping children deal with this disease and its effects.
Three types of juvenile arthritis can afflict a young body. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects four or fewer joints; polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects five or more joints; and systemic onset juvenile arthritis affects at least one joint and causes inflammation of internal organs as well.
The goal of juvenile arthritis treatment is to relieve pain and treat symptoms. First, inflammation must be controlled. It is also important to try to minimize joint damage and to retain mobility.
It is important to keep the joints relaxed and quell any swelling. Exercise is useful in achieving this and will be included in a child's treatment.
Exercise can be used in conjunction with relaxation techniques characteristic of yoga and meditation to help ease the stress within the joints. Splints can also be used during hours of sleep to prevent morning stiffness.
It is important to consult with specialists in juvenile arthritis, particularly if the child's condition is severe.
It is important that these specialists as well as the primary care physician routinely check the child. Juvenile arthritis can affect the entire body, including internal organs, so it is vital that any signs of inflammation are examined promptly.
Psychologists are commonly employed, as the child's inability to perform age specific tasks without assistance may trigger depression.
For parents and caregivers, it is important to acknowledge the child's feelings, and yet help the child focus on what they can do instead of what they cannot.
Stress often exacerbates physical illnesses, and that is certainly true of juvenile arthritis. It can impede treatment and health. Minimizing the stress of any child suffering from juvenile arthritis is essential when helping them deal with this illness.
About the Author:
Find these great places to begin finding arthritis joint pain relief. You can also effortlessly investigate sites like the helpful free credit report site.
No comments:
Post a Comment