World Arthritis Day 2022; Is childhood arthritis curable?
World Arthritis Day 2022: It is a common misconception that arthritis only affects the elderly. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), also known as Childhood Arthritis, affects children more frequently than we realise. Is it curable?
World Arthritis Day 2022: The term “arthritis” refers to a disease that affects any joint and manifests in various ways, such as pain, swelling, or stiffness; however, it is a broad term that encompasses several joint-related conditions.
Osteoarthritis is a common type of arthritis, primarily an age-related degenerative joint condition seen primarily in the elderly.
However, there is a common misconception that arthritis only affects the elderly. While children can get arthritis, and it occurs more frequently than we realise.
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), also known as Childhood Arthritis, is a type of arthritis that affects children. Arthritis in children is thought to occur when the body’s immune system attacks its cells and tissues, but the reason for this is unknown.
Heredity appears to play a role in a small percentage of cases, and the incidence of Childhood Arthritis varies significantly from country to country, ranging from 1.6 to 23 per one lakh children.
The Importance of Childhood Arthritis
Dr Deepak Gautam, MS, FACS, Consultant Joint Replacement and Director of Orthopedic Disciplines at Medicover Hospitals in Navi Mumbai, told HT Lifestyle. Childhood arthritis should not be taken lightly because it can cause serious joint damage or limit growth if not treated on time. The length of bone grows and lengthens as children grow due to bone addition through the growth plate near the joint.”
“Childhood arthritis, if not diagnosed and treated on time. May not only lead to permanent joint damage due to chronic arthritis. But may also interfere with the child’s bone growth and result in loss of joint function,” he said. It can last for a few months to years, or even for life in severe cases.
Symptoms
Dr. Deepak Gautam stated, “Unlike adults, Childhood Arthritis commonly begins in larger joints. Such as the knee, ankle, and hip.” Early symptoms of this disease include severe pain, swelling, or stiffness.
