Juvenile Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis, the most common type of adult arthritis, can occur in children as young as 5 or 6 years of age. Most children with arthritis have rheumatoid arthritis, which is an inflammation of the cartilage lining between joints. However, child can suffer from osteoarthritis, which is a degeneration of joint cartilage that normally affects people over 45.

Significance

• Juvenile osteoarthritis symptoms are similar to those of adults. However, juvenile arthritis may only affect one or two joints while adults can have arthritis in many joints. Moreover, juveniles often prove less likely to become disabled with osteoarthritis and can actually outgrow it as they get older, according to University of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Effects

• Juvenile osteoarthritis symptoms can include painful joints such as the elbows, knees, shoulders and even back vertebrae as well as inflammation. The pain is usually sporadic and can cause fatigue and weakness.

Considerations

• It is important for a doctor to properly diagnose a child's joint pain symptoms because there are over 100 types of arthritis. Some conditions such as ankylosing spondylosis in a child's spine can have similar symptoms as both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, says the University Of Iowa Children's Hospital.

Treatments

• Depending on their age, juvenile osteoarthritis treatments include anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, acetaminophen will not alleviate any inflammation. So use ice packs in 15 to 20 minute intervals throughout the day.

Prevention/Solution

• Children with juvenile osteoarthritis should get plenty of exercise to keep their joints lose. Parents should also consider joint support braces when the child rests to prevent sudden movements that can aggravate their condition.