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June 12th, 2009

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In a nutshell, juvenile arthritis is any form of arthritis that presents itself in children less than 18 years of age.

In some extreme cases, arthritis like this can start early on and when not treated immediately, may continue well into adulthood, causing multiple health complications down the line. Previously associated only with the onset of advanced age, arthritis in children is now correctly being diagnosed so that its effects can be slowed down through treatment; or that the pain that this medical condition may cause is held at a minimum.

Many who suffer from juvenile arthritis eventually regain their health and their mobility. Early detection for the more serious cases likewise means that the disease is slowed down considerably so that less of its dire consequences may continue when the child reaches maturity.

Juvenile arthritis is divided into: transient and chronic. Transient and limited arthritis is often due to the onset of earlier and more grievous medical conditions that eventually damage the joints of the body, often leading to arthritis. The treatment of cases like these depends predominantly on what those earlier diseases are, the stage of the aforementioned diseases, and how fast the person can recover from the previous medical conditions in order to treat the degenerative condition of the joints.

Some of the most likely medical conditions that may lead to juvenile arthritis are: bacterial infection, endocarditis (inflammation of the inner layer of the heart), fracture or bone trauma, fungal infection, lyme diseases, tuberculosis, rheumatic fever, serum sickness and palindromic rheumatism.

Gonococcal arthritis or arthritis caused by the onset of gonorrhea may also present itself in sexually active teens – although this population is fairly small. Viral infections like hepatitis B, hepatitis C, parvovirus b19, rubella can also inadvertently cause arthritis in very young children. Infants born with the HIV virus (transferred from HIV infected mothers) may also be prone to early childhood arthritis.

On the other hand, chronic arthritis usually begins very early on, often without detectable cause, and may last beyond the childhood stage if not given the proper treatment. Most cases of chronic arthritis in children are inflammatory in a sporadic way, can debilitate normal movements and can cause a lot of pain.

Examples of chronic arthritis are: ankylosing spondylitis (also known as AS, affects the spine and parts of the pelvic region); juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA, targets the synovial membrane or the soft tissue found between the joints); and psoriatic arthritis (which stems from the skin condition psoriasis, usually affects joints of the fingers and toes.)

Fortunately, there are now more advanced diagnostic tools that can detect arthritis in children at the earliest possible moment. When it comes to transient forms of childhood arthritis, the earliest possible treatment options could not only be successful, but may have permanent outcomes as well. This leaves the child pain-free from his or her bout with arthritis and may have no visible joint deformation whatsoever.

As for the cases of chronic forms of childhood, of which cures and treatments are yet to be found, the health care provider can ensure that pains and symptoms are held in check.

This morning I woke up with a sharp pain in my lower back. I’m not sure where it came from but I work at Target in the backroom so I’m guessing it could be from heavy lifting, or sleeping wrong. Anyone know any quick relief techniques? I have to mow the lawn today and go to work later.
I’m only 18 too.

I am pretty sure I have heartburn because I often feel the burning sensation in my throat area, but is this sharp pain underneath my right should blade related to heartburn as well? I didnt have this before I was pregnant and I am wondering if the heartburn and shoulder/back pain are related. It’s very painful and I am trying to figure out what the heck it is.
Thanks

Arthritis is defined as a joint disorder that features inflammation. The area of the body where two different bones meet is called the joint. A joint functions to move the body parts connected by its bones.

Literally, arthritis means “inflammation of one or more joints”. The illness comes in many forms, with each form having a peculiar cause.

The most common form is osteoarthritis or simply OA. Other arthritis forms include autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis wherein the body attacks itself. Caused by a joint infection is another form of arthritis called septic arthritis.

Another form is gouty arthritis which is brought about by the depositions of uric acid crystals in the joint resulting further to inflammation. Pseudogout is a very rare type of gout which is brought about by the formation of rhomboid crystals of calcium pyrophosphate.

All forms of arthritis are accompanied by pain. Pain occurring in the joints is called arthralagia.

Arthritis pain patterns may vary depending on what type of arthritis is present and the location in the body where the illness is being experienced. For instance, arthritis pain brought about by rheumatoid arthritis is generally worse during the mornings and most frequently accompanied with stiffness.

During its early stages, the patients affected by the ailment will often show no symptoms after a morning shower. Both in children and in aged patients, arthritis pain may not be the presenting feature. For the aged patients, they only tend to move less, while infant patients refuse to use the affected limbs.

There is no single treatment that can be applied for everyone affected with arthritis. Seeking medical help is necessary. The doctor will determine what type of arthritis is present and will be developing a management plan specifically designed to reduce the particular pain and improve the function of the joints. There are a number of treatments that can provide short-term relief for arthritis pain.

First thing to do is to manage your arthritis pain. There are forms of arthritis which are classified as chronic diseases. These types may last a lifetime and the pain could be really distressing since it affects the patients on many levels. An important factor in controlling the ailment and ensuring a good quality of life is learning how to manage pain over the long term.

Being continually sought are better ways to control pain. With the goal of relieving pain, arthritis patients may try different ways of relieving pain techniques. From these, the best technique may be identified. The success or failure of each form of therapy may vary from person to person. What could have worked for one person may not work for another person.

Osteoarthritis sufferers may have very little inflammation. Acetaminophen is a suggested pain reliever. On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis patients may experience pain that is caused by inflammation. Suggested medications for rheumatoid arthritis patients are aspirin or other forms of NSAIDS. To allow the joints to rest, it could be helpful to use a splint or a base.