Did you know that there are over one hundred different types of arthritis? One of those is juvenile arthritis or pediatric rheumatoid arthritis.

With arthritis, the pain is always there. With pediatric rheumatoid arthritis, children who experience this pain are unable to manage and deal with it as well as mature adults.

Causes

Medical experts cannot decide on a single answer. Most believe pediatric rheumatoid arthritis is caused by an overactive immune system that attacks the joint tissues. A virus can temporarily cause this, however particular genes lead to long-term attacks.  A family history of arthritis may raise a child’s risk.

Three Types

First, there is Pauciarticular, which is most commonly diagnosed in children. Fortunately, this type of pediatric rheumatoid arthritis is the mildest. Pain is often felt in the fingers, ankles, elbows, knees and hips.

Second is Systemic, but it is rarely diagnosed. It is not as widespread. Unfortunately, complications are frequent. The pain is relentless and often unbearable because every joint in the body is susceptible to pain.

Polyarticular is the third known type of pediatric rheumatoid arthritis. It is not as frequent as Pauciarticular arthritis, but is more painful. This is easy to recognize in children, as they are unable to deal with the pain on their own. More joints are affected and over time it worsens.

Available Treatment

For parents and carers, it is not easy to perceive the warning signs in young children, especially toddlers. Many do not know how to convey their pain or the pain is so harsh it is difficult to explain. In addition to joint pain, those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis have difficulty sleeping, walking and experience joint swelling or stiffness.

Medical care is recommended for children suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.  Long-term health complications can surface if the disease is not diagnosed and treated properly. Parents concerned with treatment should wait until they have a proper diagnosis. When that diagnosis arrives, pain medication is given, in some cases it may be needed on a constant basis.

Unfortunately, pain medications are harmful to the body as complications are caused if too much is consumed. For that reason, parents and carers must understand that medication is not the only way to seek relief – exercise is just as important.  Physical therapy is brief, but parents and patients are encouraged to prolong the practice at home. Constant movement can be difficult for children in pain, but it is essential. Movement prevents stiffness and deformities.

Most children cannot outgrow Polyarticular, however parents and carers must concentrate on the present. With the other two types of pediatric rheumatoid arthritis successful treatment improves the chances to overcome the disease; without treatment, they will find it hard to function on a day-to-day basis. 

It is rare for medical professionals to recommend surgery to relieve rheumatoid arthritis pain in children. For most, the risk of complications is too great. If treatment proves unsuccessful, surgery may be considered.

In conclusion, if you are a parent or know a child who suffers from severe joint pain or difficulty moving, do not disregard rheumatoid arthritis. It may well be the cause.