Kids Get Arthritis Too

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July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. At Texas Foot Specialists we know that many of our patients associate this condition with old age, but over 300,000 children in our country under the age of 16 suffer from joint disorder and rheumatic diseases. Just as for adults, arthritis isn’t one disease but rather an umbrella term used to describe many different inflammatory conditions. We want to help our families by getting the word out about Juvenile Arthritis (JA).

What’s Different about Juvenile Arthritis?

There are some kinds of arthritis that primarily affect children while rarely affecting adults, and other types where the reverse is true. For adults, the most common type of arthritis is the wear and tear version—osteoarthritis—where cartilage and joints deteriorate due to age and heavy usage. In children, however, most forms of arthritis are autoimmune or autoinflammatory conditions. This means the immune system of the child gets confused and begins releasing inflammatory chemicals which attack healthy cells and tissue. Complications from some forms of juvenile arthritis can include skin, eye, and organ problems. The specific cause of JA is not fully known but there is believed to be a genetic predisposition which may be activated by a virus or bacteria.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Parents often have to play detective when seeing symptoms of JA. Joint pain, for example, is one symptom of JA that young children may not be able to articulate. However, you might notice your child limping or struggling to keep up with peers when engaging in active play. Other potential symptoms include:

  • Swelling or stiffness surrounding joints

  • Fever

  • Rash

  • Skin rashes

  • Eye discomfort

  • Fatigue

  • Loss of appetite

Seek Treatment Promptly

If your child has any joint or other pain in their ankles or feet, make an appointment at our Sugar Land (281-242-4448), Pasadena (281-991-0600), or Houston (713-664-6677) office. Be sure to let our podiatrists, Dr. Bruce Miller and Dr. Gregory Mangum, know if your child is experiencing any of the above or other unusual symptoms in conjunction with their podiatric discomfort. The foot doctor will conduct a thorough examination and determine if a referral to another physician is also appropriate.