July serves as National Juvenile Arthritis Awareness month, and the Chiropractors at AICA Atlanta would like to shed some light on this condition, as it affects the children around our great community.
Although not as common as with adults, children are also susceptible to arthritis, which is caused by inflammation of your joints.
For those who suffer from Juvenile Arthritis, the condition can be extremely painful and often causes significant stiffness or swelling that limits mobility.
Most children with Juvenile Arthritis have a particular type known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, which means that the source of the condition derives from unknown causes.
Juvenile Arthritis Facts
Who Does Juvenile Arthritis Affect?
Juvenile Arthritis affects approximately 300,000 children throughout the United States, most of whom are under the age of 18 years old.
What Causes Juvenile Arthritis?
The most common cause of Juvenile Arthritis is connected to autoimmune disorders.
Although the immune system is designed to help ward off dangerous viruses and harmful bacteria, autoimmune diseases cause the immune system to attack parts of the body’s healthy tissues and cells.
Doctors are not completely sure why this reaction takes place, although most believe that it is passed down from parents to their children.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis
Most children who suffer from Juvenile Arthritis notice significant joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that won’t subside without proper medical treatment.
Most children’s knees, hands, and feet are affected by the pain usually peaking in the morning or after taking a long rest.
Common signs that indicate the presence of Juvenile Arthritis include:
- Limping in the morning or after a long nap
- Sudden clumsiness
- Fever or skin rash
- Swelling of the lymph nodes of your neck
If left untreated, arthritis can cause significant eye inflammation, growth problems, and bones to develop unevenly over time.
How Chiropractors Diagnose Juvenile Arthritis
The Chiropractors at AICA Atlanta can identify the existence of arthritis after performing a complete examination.
If your child has constant joint pain or if they have experienced high fevers or skin rashes, your Chiropractor will take these details into consideration.
Some of the other considerations your Chiropractor will review with you include:
- Other noticed symptoms
- Family history
- Lab tests
- Physical examination
- X-rays if necessary
How Do Chiropractors Treat Juvenile Arthritis
Our Chiropractors at AICA Atlanta provide practical treatment solutions that immediately relieve pain and reduce joint inflammation.
Depending on the specific characteristics of your child’s condition, your Chiropractor may recommend some solutions that include:
- Dietary changes
- Controlled exercises that reduce swelling maintain joint health and relieve pain
- Chiropractic adjustments
How Children Can Manage Juvenile Arthritis
If your child suffers from arthritis, try to provide the following support systems that help ensure they are both emotionally and physically well.
- Schedule them for a regular Chiropractic examination at our Atlanta office
- Become as educated about the condition as possible
- Look into local support groups
- Encourage a proactive, healthy lifestyle that includes physical therapy and regular exercise
- Talk to your child about the situation and what they need to be aware of to maintain an active lifestyle
- Work with the healthcare providers at your school to keep consistency of habits