Juvenile Arthritis (JA) or Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, is a medical condition that affects children, causing their joints to become swollen, painful, and stiff. Some types of JA, like systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, may also cause systemic symptoms such as fever, rash, and inflammation of internal organs. The symptoms vary based on the type of arthritis that the child has.
Although the exact cause is unknown, it is believed to be a result of a combination of environmental and genetic factors. The common symptoms include joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fever in some cases. The prevalence of this disease varies by subtype, with oligoarthritis being the most common form.
Dr. Mannu Bhatia, Senior Consultant – Orthopaedics & Joint Replacement, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, says, “Childhood arthritis has the potential to cause lasting physical damage to the joints. Therefore, it’s essential not to ignore signs like joint swelling and pain, or if the child seems less active than usual. Early diagnosis and proper medical care are critical to effective management.”
He further added, “While there is no cure for juvenile Arthritis, effective management and aggressive treatment can help to control symptoms, reduce inflammation, and minimize joint damage. The goals of the treatment are to slow down or stop inflammation and prevent disease progression, relieve symptoms, control pain and improve quality of life. prevent or avoid joint and organ damage, preserve joint function and mobility for adulthood and reduce long-term health effects.”
There are some serious challenges that are faced while diagnosing Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, while talking about the same, Dr Girish Kakade, Consultant Rheumatology, Sahyadri Super Speciality Hospital, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, says, “Diagnosing JIA can be challenging because its symptoms can mimic other conditions. There’s no single definitive test for JIA, and diagnosis is often based on clinical evaluation and exclusion of other conditions.”
“The International League of Associations for Rheumatology (ILAR) classification criteria are often used to help diagnose JIA subtypes. Early detection is crucial because it allows for prompt treatment, which can prevent joint damage and improve long-term outcomes,” he added.
Dr. Kakade also shared some extremely effective management strategies. It must be noted that the management of JIA in children typically involves a multidisciplinary approach. Common treatments and strategies include:
- Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and biologic agents may be prescribed based on the subtype and severity.
- Physical Therapy: It helps maintain joint mobility, strength, and function and reduces pain.
- Occupational Therapy: Focuses on improving daily living skills and reducing the impact of joint problems.
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