Arthritis is a disease that is commonly attributed to older adults. However, the reality is that many younger people are suffering from juvenile arthritis. The reasons for this alarming trend are many, but by educating parents about the main causes of juvenile arthritis, they can become more prepared.

Reason #1 for Juvenile Arthritis: Obesity

In a society where technology is a part of everyday life, some juveniles are forgoing the traditional active outdoors games. They are more in favor of sitting in one place for hours at a time, eating snacks and playing computer games.

The human body needs to burn off extra calories by being active, and just sitting leads to obesity and juveniles becoming more and more overweight. The excess weight presses down on the joints, and the result can often be juvenile arthritis.

Reason #2 for Juvenile Arthritis: Sports

Ironically, juveniles can just as easily get juvenile arthritis from too much activity, specifically in the form of sports. The serious athlete will not only have to play hard, but also train hard, and all of that wear on the joints can lead to tendonitis in addition to arthritis.

Reason #3 for Juvenile Arthritis: Genetics

Believe it or not, arthritis is not just a case of working the joints too little or too much. It also has to do with genetics. For example, if a juvenile comes from a family in which juvenile arthritis is prevalent, the chances are good that it will be passed down to that juvenile as well.

How to Help

If you are the parent of a child who has been diagnosed with arthritis, the first thing that you will need to do is structure their activity intake. Sometimes juvenile arthritis is only aggravated by too much strain on certain joints, so make sure that the child remains actively, but moderately so when it come to activities that involve the affected area.

The most important thing to do is ensure that the arthritis is kept under check, but at the same time does not stop the child from doing what he or she wants to achieve. Work with the child's pediatrician to find constructive activity alternatives.

You can also consult various internet sites for advice, though it should be noted that the best sites to look at are the ones that have been recommended by the pediatrician. The key in managing juvenile arthritis is in living a health lifestyle.