Arthritis at any age

Popular belief has assigned Arthritis to only the elderly and frail, but this is quite the misconception. Arthritis can happen in children and even toddlers. Approximately 1 in 1000 children develops some type of juvenile arthritis.

There are several types of juvenile arthritis, in which a few or many joints can be affected with various symptoms. Early diagnosis and having a good pediatric rheumatologist can help children manage their pain effectively and minimize cartilage damage.

Many parents wonder whether they have passed down bad genes. Although there might be some genetic factors, juvenile arthritis is not considered a hereditary disorder and rarely affects more than one family member.

If the affected child is too young to speak, it can be particularly difficult for the parents to figure out what is going on. Support groups such as JA Alliance, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group, and Arthritis - Juvenile Support Group, offer suggestions and emotional support.

In Canada, recent studies show that 1 in 250 children are affected with arthritis. This figure is more frequent than childhood Inflammatory Bowel Disease, more frequent than Cystic Fibrosis, and more frequent than Childhood Diabetes.

So, you see, it doesn’t matter what your age, you can still be victim to aching joints. And that’s a pain no one wants to live with.