Dealing with Juvenile Arthritis

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July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, and at NY Foot Health, we want to share some important information about this condition, which currently affects nearly 300,000 children and teens. Today, many forms of juvenile arthritis (JA) can be controlled and even sent into remission, greatly reducing permanent damage and long-term pain and disability. The first step to successful treatment, however, is early detection.

What to Look For

Most people associate joint pain and inflammation with arthritis, and these are common in many types of juvenile arthritis as well. However, some types of JA do not have these typical symptoms, but rather manifest in skin or eye abnormalities and internal organ dysfunction. Other signs in young patients that may indicate JA are extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and high, spiking fevers.

Common Types of JA

Many people mistakenly see arthritis as one singular disease, when in fact, it is an umbrella term that covers a whole host of inflammatory and rheumatic diseases and disorders. Oftentimes in children, arthritis involves an autoimmune or autoinflammatory response where healthy cells are attacked by inflammatory chemicals by a confused immune system. Some more frequently types of JA include:

  • Juvenile Lupus

  • Fibromyalgia

  • Juvenile psoriatic arthritis

  • Juvenile myositis

  • Juvenile scleroderma

Get Symptoms Evaluated Promptly

Like nearly all podiatric (and systemic) conditions, a timely examination and diagnosis in the early stages of JA is a key factor in successful treatment. If your child or teenager complains of pain in foot or ankle joints, or you notice changes in the way your child is walking, joint redness or swelling or a reluctance to participate in physical activities, make an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible. If you need to find a podiatrist in your area, consult our online directory. The foot doctor will perform a comprehensive examination of your child’s feet and also get a complete medical history. The foot doctor will be able to get a handle on the source of your child’s symptoms. If JA is suspected, the podiatrist will most likely refer you to a rheumatologist.

For more information on conditions that can affect your family’s podiatric health, contact us and consider subscribing to our free e-newsletter.

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