Kids Also Get Arthritis

Written by News Canada

The most common misconception about arthritis is that it’s a disease of the elderly. In fact, specialists in this field tell us approximately 61,500 Canadian toddlers, youths and young adults live with the intense pain and disability of arthritis. That’s at least one case for every school.

Here’s what you might want to know about arthritis in children

• It results from the body’s immune system not working properly. The immune system fails to recognize healthy body tissue and attacks it. Symptoms include excruciating pain and inflammation in the joints.

• It can also be associated with irregular growth, physical disability and inflammation inside the eye.

• It can sometimes last for as little as several months to a year and then disappear forever. Most children, however, have an up-and-down course for many years. Flares are those times when the arthritis seems to be getting worse and the pain more severe.

• In about 30 per cent of cases, arthritis in kids continues into adulthood.

• The causes are unknown. It usually does not run in families and arthritis is almost never passed from a parent to a child.

• There is no cure, but an effective treatment plan - medication, physiotherapy, physical activity and rest - controls pain and helps to prevent permanent joint damage. With the guidance of a health-care team and the support of family members, a child with arthritis can lead an active and productive life.

Know the signs of child arthritis


Arthritis in children can take numerous forms and its symptoms vary widely. Children with arthritis don’t always complain of joint pain, which is why the disease can be hard to detect. According to The Arthritis Society, if your child experiences any of the following warning signs for Juvenile Arthritis, JA, over a few weeks, you should consult your family doctor:

• Pain and stiffness in the joints (for example: knees, elbows, fingers).

• Warmth of joints.

• Stiffness in the morning or after waking from naps.

• Limping or difficulty using an arm or leg.

• Fatigue or loss of interest in recreational activities.

JA is defined as continuous inflammation of one or more joints lasting at least six weeks for which no other cause can be found. Experts tell us that an early diagnosis and aggressive treatment plan can control the pain of arthritis and prevent damage to the joints. Once diagnosed with arthritis, the child’s treatment plan - including medication and rehabilitation therapy - will be determined by a doctor.


Physical activity can relieve your child’s arthritis pain


Adjusting to the pain of arthritis can be difficult and frustrating for a child, yet it’s possible for them to lead active and productive lives. To supplement the treatment plan developed by your child’s health-care team, The Arthritis Society recommends routine activities that are especially good for joint mobility and relieving pain:

Walking - It puts less stress on the joints and is considered much better and safer than running. It allows a child to stretch the back and leg muscles and joints that can become stiff from sitting or resting.

Cycling - Riding a tricycle or bike is excellent exercise and can strengthen hips, knees and ankles when walking is too painful.

Swimming - It improves muscle tone and movement of large joints. Moving through the water adds resistance. This boosts muscle strength and endurance. Activities such as stretching or walking through water can exercise the joints without putting them under strain.

You should always consult your child’s doctor to determine which physical activities are appropriate.


For more information about News Canada, visit www.newscanada.com. For more information about arthritis, visit The Arthritis Society website at www.arthritis.ca.