Osteoarthritis, Rheumatism, Joint pain, Symptoms of arthritis, Treatments for arthritis, Swelling, Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis.
Root Cause of Disease
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Some children may experience symptoms for only a few months, while others have symptoms for many years.
Some types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause serious complications, such as growth problems, joint damage and eye inflammation. Treatment focuses on controlling pain and inflammation, improving function, and preventing damage.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis are:
- Pain: While your child might not complain of joint pain, you may notice that he or she limps — especially first thing in the morning or after a nap.
- Swelling: Joint swelling is common but is often first noticed in larger joints such as the knee.
- Stiffness: You might notice that your child appears clumsier than usual, particularly in the morning or after naps.
- Fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash: In some cases, high fever, swollen lymph nodes or a rash on the trunk may occur — which is usually worse in the evenings.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can affect one joint or many. There are several different subtypes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but the main ones are systemic, oligoarticular and polyarticular. Which type your child has depends on symptoms, the number of joints affected, and if a fever and rashes are prominent features.
Causes
In JIA, the body’s immune system—which normally helps to fight off infections and heal cuts and wounds—mistakenly attacks some of its own healthy cells and tissues. The result is inflammation, marked by pain, swelling, warmth, and stiffness. Inflammation from JIA can damage the joints, eyes, or other affected organs.
Scientists do not know why the immune system attacks healthy tissues in children with JIA, but they believe that a complex mix of genes and environmental factors are involved.
While the origin of the immune system’s overreaction in JIA is unknown, scientists have identified some of the molecules that contribute to inflammation in some forms of the disease. We now know that three molecules—TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1—are involved in creating inflammation in the joints of many children with JIA. This has led to new therapies that specifically target these molecules.
Complications
Several serious complications can result from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. But keeping a careful watch on your child’s condition and seeking appropriate medical attention can greatly reduce the risk of these complications:
- Eye problems.Some forms can cause eye inflammation. If this condition is left untreated, it may result in cataracts, glaucoma and even blindness. Eye inflammation frequently occurs without symptoms, so it’s important for children with this condition to be examined regularly by an ophthalmologist.
- Growth problems.Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can interfere with your child’s growth and bone development. Some medications used for treatment, mainly corticosteroids, also can inhibit growth.
Home Remedies to treat Juvenile idiopathic Arthritis
Remedy – 1: Temperature therapy
Materials: Hot/Cold Pack
Cold packs, hot packs, or a hot bath/shower can help reduce symptoms of JIA. Heat works best to relieve stiff joints and tired muscles, especially first thing in the morning. Cold numbs painful areas and reduces inflammation.
Heat boosts the flow of blood and nutrients to an area of the body. It often works best for morning stiffness or to warm up muscles before activity. Cold slows blood flow, reducing swelling and pain. It’s often best for short-term pain, like that from a sprain or a strain.
Remedy – 2: Healthy Diet
Eating a healthy diet can help reduce inflammation in the body. Children with JIA should eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats. Sugary, processed foods, which increase inflammation, should be avoided.
Benefits of Healthy Eating
- May help you live longer.
- Keeps skin, teeth, and eyes healthy.
- Supports muscles.
- Boosts immunity.
- Strengthens bones.
- Lowers risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers.
- Supports healthy pregnancies and breastfeeding.
- Helps the digestive system function.
Remedy – 3: Rest
While exercise is important, rest is also essential, especially during flares. Rest helps reduce inflammation and fatigue. Sleep is essential for managing pain, reducing anxiety, and improving overall health.
These at-home treatments can be combined with conventional treatments to help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
There are several benefits to daily rest and relaxation:
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
- Improved mood.
- Decreased blood pressure.
- Chronic pain relief.
- Improved immune health.
- Stronger cardiovascular system.
Preventions
- Getting regular exercise: Exercise is important because it promotes both muscle strength and joint flexibility. Swimming is an excellent choice because it places minimal stress on joints.
- Applying cold or heat: Stiffness affects many children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, particularly in the morning. Some children respond well to cold packs, particularly after activity. However, most children prefer warmth, such as a hot pack or a hot bath or shower, especially in the morning.
- Eating well: Some children with arthritis have poor appetites. Others may gain excess weight due to medications or physical inactivity. A healthy diet can help maintain an appropriate body weight.
Adequate calcium in the diet is important because children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis are at risk of developing weak bones due to the disease, the use of corticosteroids, and decreased physical activity and weight bearing.
