Worried about your young ones’ tears? Juvenile arthritis is a debilitating disorder affecting thousands of children and teenagers yearly. It is a chronic condition that can cause severe joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation.
While there is no known cure for juvenile arthritis, there are tips and strategies that can aid in managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life. From proper ayurvedic management to lifestyle changes and dietary modifications, understanding juvenile arthritis and how to manage it is critical to helping children live more comfortable and active lives. By taking proactive steps, parents and children can work together to understand better and manage juvenile arthritis.
With the proper support and care, children can find relief from their symptoms and reclaim their childhood. Get a pain-free childhood with Ayurveda!
What is Juvenile Arthritis Or Arthritis in Children
Juvenile arthritis is a common disease that affects children. It is caused by an underlying condition called rheumatoid arthritis. The name “juvenile” refers to the fact that this type of arthritis usually first appears in childhood, although it may appear earlier or later in life.
Juvenile arthritis is a form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). It’s one of the most common types of RA, affecting about 5 percent to 6 percent of people with RA.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation that affects the joints. Juvenile onset means the initial symptoms occur during childhood rather than after puberty, as in adult-onset RA.
In most cases, juvenile-onset occurs between ages 2-6 but can occur at any age from infancy through adulthood.
Types Of Arthritis in Children
- Rheumatoid arthritis – An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints, causing pain and inflammation
- Polyarticular juvenile arthritis – A form of polyarticular arthritis that affects multiple joints – Anti-inflammatory drugs can help treat polyarticular juvenile arthritis. Polyarticular juvenile arthritis can respond well to anti-inflammatory medications and dietary changes.
- Psoriatic arthritis – A form of arthritis that affects the skin and joints. Psoriatic arthritis is difficult to manage, and the prognosis is poor.
- Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis – A form of juvenile arthritis that affects the whole body. Systemic juvenile arthritis is difficult to treat, and the prognosis is poor.
- Enthesis – This type manifests as joint inflammation and a feeling of soreness where the bone and connective tissues converge. Commonly, the feet, knees, and hips are impacted.
- Systemic JRA is the least prevalent kind. It exhibits rash and fever-spiking signs.
- Oligoarticular – The most typical type of JRA is oligoarticular JRA. In this, the patient has five or fewer inflamed joints, typically the knees or wrists.
Reason for Arthritis in Children
The immune system of the body, which typically aids in the prevention of infections and the healing of wounds, mistakenly targets some of its healthy cells and tissues in JIA Inflammation, as a result, is characterized by discomfort, tenderness, warmth, and stiffness. JIA-related inflammation can harm the affected organs, including the eyes, joints, and joints.
In infants with JIA, the immune system targets healthy organs for unknown reasons, although scientists think a complex interplay of genes and environmental factors may be at play.
While the cause of the immune system’s excessive response in JIA is unknown, researchers have discovered some of the chemicals that fuel inflammation in certain of the disease’s manifestations.
Symptoms Of Juvenile Arthritis
The symptoms of Juvenile arthritis include joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and fever in the morning. This pain may be present for several months or even years before it subsides. In some cases, joint pain can be severe enough to interfere with daily activities.
Juvenile Arthritis often begins with the knees or elbows but may also affect other joints such as hips, wrists, or ankles. The severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, but what is important to remember is that Juvenile Arthritis does not cause permanent damage to joints like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) does.
Diagnosis of Arthritis in Children
C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate
These blood tests are inflammatory markers. They may also be increased in kids with other types of JIA. They are frequently high in kids with systemic JIA. However, they are not exclusive to JIA and may be raised for unrelated causes such as infection. Clinicians can use these tests to check on the effectiveness of therapy in cases when inflammatory markers are high as a result of JIA.
Autoantibodies
The immune system produces antibodies, for instance, in reaction to infections. A person’s cells and tissues are the targets of autoantibodies. Children with JIA may exhibit the following autoantibodies:
ANA
Many kids with JIA have ANA, an autoantibody that targets elements in the cell nucleus, but kids without JIA can also test positive. People who test positive for ANA are more likely to experience eye inflammation and should visit an eye doctor more regularly.
Anti-CCP and rheumatoid factor (RF)
Rarely are these autoantibodies found in children with JIA. When present, they typically indicate a diagnosis of polyarticular JIA with rheumatoid factor positivity.
HLA-B27
A risk factor for JIA connected to enthesitis is this gene. However, not all children who test positive for HLA-B27 have the condition or will ever acquire it, and some children with enthesitis-related JIA test negative for the gene.
A complete blood count and a basic panel of tests, including those for the liver and kidneys, may also be requested by doctors (CBC). Anaemia (low amounts of red blood cells), which can happen in persons with systemic JIA or other chronic inflammatory illnesses, can be detected by the CBC in children.
Imaging Research such as X-rays, Ultrasounds, MRI can also be used.
Ayurvedic management of juvenile arthritis
General treatment protocols include vata pacifying and ama pachana.
In Ayurveda, Shodhna therapy such as Sarvanga Abhyanga (Full body massage with vata pacifying medicated oil), Nadi swedana (Steam bath), Valuka Swedana (fomentation by sand pack), and Vaitarana Basti (type of medicated enema) is very effective in the management of JIA.
In Shaman therapy, Simhanada guggulu, Kaishora Guggulu, Chitrakadi Vati, Ashwagandharishta, Balarishta, and Rasnasaptak Kwatha are effective in relieving pain and swelling of joints. Some anti-inflammatory herbal drugs also have full consideration as anti-arthritic activity, such as Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Harataki (Terminalia chebula), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum) and Pippali (Piper longum), etc.
Dietary changes for managing juvenile arthritis
- Avoiding dairy products – Dairy products are pro-inflammatory and can worsen the symptoms of juvenile arthritis.
- Introducing anti-inflammatory foods – Anti-inflammatory foods are recommended for most people with juvenile arthritis. These foods include fish, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Avoid fatty foods – Fatty foods are pro-inflammatory and can worsen the symptoms of juvenile arthritis.
Lifestyle tips for managing juvenile arthritis
- Engaging in daily activities – Exercise and play help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
- Managing emotional stress – While emotional stress is common among children with juvenile arthritis, it can also cause joint pain and stiffness
Conclusion
Juvenile arthritis is a debilitating illness that can affect young people of any age. While there is no known cure for juvenile arthritis, there are tips and strategies that can help manage and prevent symptoms and improve quality of life. Understanding juvenile arthritis and how to manage it is critical to helping children live more comfortable and active lives. Ayurveda can be a stepping stone in this case. With the proper support and care, children can find relief from their symptoms and reclaim their childhood.
