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What is Juvenlie Arthritis?
It is a form of arthritis that occurs in infants, children
and young people. It is different to arthritis seen in adults.
The majority of children are affected only in a few joints. Others
may have arthritis that affects many joints. Some children are affected
in areas other than joints such as eyes, skin, tendons and other
body tissues, all to varying degrees.
How common is Juvenlie Arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis affects 1 in 1000 children in Australia. However,
recent studies indicate the figure may be as high as 1 in 250 children
in Australia.
Juvenile arthritis occurs more frequently in girls than boys.
What causes Juvenile Arthritis?
It appears that the arthritis is probably caused by a reaction of
the body against its own joint tissues.
Is it Hereditary?
It is very unusual to see two cases in the same family. However,
some genes seem to increase the chance of developing arthritis.
How long will it last?
In about 85% of children with juvenile arthritis the disease will
burn out, lasting from several months to three or four years.
In about 15% the arthritis may be severe from onset, or may become
severe later.
At the time of onset it very hard to predict how long the disorder
will last. In many children the inflammation may become inactive
after a number of years. In some children there will have been damage
to growing joints and these effects may persist into adult life,
causing difficulties with movement and joint use.
Can it be cured?
Although no cure is yet known, 85% of children will gradually become
free of the disease.
Are there effective medications?
The majority of children with juvenile arthritis will require medication
at one time or another. Medications play a major role in the management
of juvenile arthritis. Concerns should be discussed with your doctor.
The aim of medications is to control inflammation, relieve pain
and reduce other symptoms of the disease.
Some children take a combination of medications. It may take some
time before the right combination of medication is reached. Changes
will be made from time to time depending on changes in the child's
arthritis or if any side effects develop. Treatment must be individualised
because a child may respond to the same drug differently to another
child with the same arthritis type.
Will a special diet help?
A normal well-balanced diet is all that is required.
How active should my child be?
No matter how severe the arthritis, your child should take part
in household chores, school, social and play activities as these
are important for physical improvement and emotional development.
Will my child be able to go to School?
Most children with juvenile arthritis are able to participate in
a regular school program. A few children require modifications such
as being exempted from competitive sport or receiving extensions
for work.
Should my child have a special exercise program?
A child may require special exercises to keep joints moving normally
and to build up muscle and help prevent permanent disabilities.
A physiotherapist's role is to supervise your child's physical exercise
program, to relieve pain and to achieve optimal joint mobility and
function. Your child may need to see a physiotherapist on a regular
basis, but for the most part s/he will be required to implement
a program at home.
Will my Child be required to wear splints?
Your doctor may prescribe splints for your child to wear when resting
in order to keep joints in the best possible position.
Are there other ways a Parent can help?
Parents must see that prescribed medications are taken, that special
exercises are done and help the child accept and handle the disease.
It is important for both parent and child to report any new physical
or emotional problems that may have developed between visits to
the doctor or physiotherapist.
The information presented is not intended to replace the medical
advice of your doctor or health care provider. Arthritis SA recommends
that you consult your doctor about specific medical conditions.
Other information and resources available
from Arthritis SA
Juvenile Arthritis Fact Sheet
• Email advisors@arthritissa.org.au
(please include your postal address in email)
Juvenile Arthritis Support Group
Click here "Branches & Support
Groups" > "Juvenile Arthritis" for further
information
Telephone Advisory Service
9.30am - 3.30pm, Mon - Fri
8379 5711 or country free call on 1800 011 041
Library
Raising a child with arthritis an official publication of
the Arthritis Foundation (USA), 1998
But children don't get arthritis by Jennie Scarvell and Kathie
Tymms, 1997
Borrowing privileges extend to members only
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