| What Is It? JRA
is the most common form of arthritis in children. It may be a mild condition that causes
few problems over time, but it can be much more persistent and cause joint and tissue
damage in other children. JRA can produce serious complications in more severe cases.
If your question is not
answered here, please
contact one of our
information specialists.
|
Arthritis is best described by four major changes in the
joints that may develop. The most common features of JRA are: joint inflammation, joint
contracture (stiff, bent joint), joint damage and/or alteration or change in growth. Other
symptoms include joint stiffness following rest or decreased activity level (also referred
to morning stiffness or gelling), and weakness in muscles and other soft tissues around
involved joints. However, because JRA affects each child differently, your child may not
experience all of these changes. Children also vary in the degree to which they are
affected by any particular symptom.
The signs and symptoms of JRA vary from child to child, and
even from day to day in the same child! This is an important fact for parents, caretakers
and teachers (especially gym teachers) to keep in mind when working with children who have
JRA.
There is no single test to diagnose JRA. The diagnosis is
made when there has been persistent arthritis in one or more joints for at least 6 weeks
after other possible illnesses have been ruled out. Sometimes, a variety of tests may be
necessary to come to a firm diagnosis. Once your child's physician suspects or makes this
diagnosis, your child may be referred to a pediatric rheumatologist. This is a physician
who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children with arthritis and
arthritis-related conditions.
The type of arthritis is usually determined based on the
symptoms your child has had during the first 6 months of the illness. The 3 major types of
JRA are: pauciarticular which affects 4 or
fewer joints; polyarticular JRA which
affects 5 or more joints; and systemic onset JRA
which affects at least one joint but causes inflammation of internal organs as well.
|
