Care for Rheumatoid Disease
Some joint pain can be normal for a child who is growing or active in sports. But continuous pain is not normal. Our pediatric rheumatologist diagnoses and treats conditions that cause pain, swelling and limited movement in joints and the tissue that connects them. These conditions include juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, lupus and dermatomyositis.
Who is affected by pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?
Arthritis and rheumatic diseases can affect anyone, at any age or of any race. However, certain diseases are more common in certain populations including:
- Children under age 15 can have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
- Girls are more prone to lupus than boys
- Boys are more likely to develop ankylosing spondylitis
What causes pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?
The cause of most types of rheumatic diseases remains unknown, and in many cases varies depending on the type of rheumatic disease present. However, researchers believe that some of the following reasons may play a role in the development or aggravation of one or more types of rheumatic diseases:
- Genetics and family history (i.e., inherited cartilage weakness)
- Trauma
- Infection
- Neurogenic disturbances
- Metabolic disturbances
- Excessive wear and tear and stress on a joint(s)
- Environmental triggers
- Influence of certain hormones on the body
What are the symptoms of pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases?
The following are the most common symptoms of pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases. However, each child may experience symptoms in various ways, and different types of rheumatic diseases present varying symptoms. In general, however, symptoms may include:
- Joint pain
- Swelling in one or more joints
- Joint stiffness that lasts for at least one hour in the early morning
- Chronic pain or tenderness in the joint(s)
- Warmth and redness in the joint area
- Limited movement in the affected joint(s)
- Fatigue
- Persistent fevers
Symptoms of pediatric arthritis and other rheumatic diseases may resemble other medical conditions and problems. Always consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.
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This page last updated 4/18/08 10:43 AM
