 Did you know that arthritis affects more than 285,000 children annually in the United States? In fact, a recent CDC report estimates that nearly 1 in 250 children has some form of arthritis or a related condition!
Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are frequently associated with old age because osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, occurs more often among the elderly. Unfortunately, rheumatic diseases and arthritis can affect people of all ages.
Below is a list of some of the types of juvenile arthritis and rheumatic diseases along with a brief definition of the conditions. We soon will be adding more information about these conditions to Pain.com.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) - JRA occurs in children ages 16 or younger. This condition causes inflammation and stiffness of the joints for more than six weeks. Unlike adult rheumatoid arthritis, which is chronic, children often experience periods of remission. However, the disease can affect bone development in the growing child.
Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis (JAS) - JAS is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and the sites where the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are attached to bone. The disease causes inflammation of the spine and large joints, resulting in stiffness and pain.
Psoriatic Arthritis - This form of arthritis is associated with psoriasis, which is a chronic skin and nail disease characterized by red, scaly rashes and thick, pitted fingernails. The disease is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in that it involves joint inflammation; however, psoriatic arthritis affects fewer joints and does not produce the typical rheumatoid arthritis antibodies.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) - SLE is a disease that is characterized by periodic episodes of inflammation of and damage to the joints, tendons, other connective tissues, and organs, including the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and skin. Often just referred to as Lupus, it is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues.
Scleroderma - There are two forms of scleroderma: localized scleroderma and systemic sclerosis. Localized scleroderma is seen more frequently in children than the systemic form. It may involve patches of the skin on the trunk, arms, legs, or head. Systemic sclerosis is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects the joints, skin, and internal organs.
Rheumatic Fever - Rheumatic fever is a delayed autoimmune reaction to the streptococcus bacteria. It can be prevented with prompt diagnosis of strep throat and treatment with antibiotics. It is uncommon in the US, except in children who have had strep infections that were untreated or inadequately treated. Rheumatic fever is a complicated, disease that affects the joints, skin, heart, blood vessels, and brain.
Fibromyalgia - Although fibromyalgia’s symptoms are similar to other joint diseases, such as arthritis, it is actually a form of soft tissue or muscular rheumatism that causes pain in the muscles and soft tissues. The actual joints are normal on physical examination.
Where Can I Learn More?
 Only a healthcare professional can properly diagnose any of these conditions. It is recommended that you speak to your pediatrician or family physician for more information. There are also several reputable healthcare organizations and foundations on the Internet that can provide additional information about arthritis and rheumatic diseases. Pain.com does not endorse or control the information on these sites, but hopes that you can use the information to have a meaningful conversation with your healthcare provider.
American College of Rheumatology
Juvenile Arthritis Alliance (A Division of the Arthritis Foundation)
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (A Division of the CDC)
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