Childhood arthritis diseases, which can occur in any period of childhood, from the newborn period to adulthood, are defined as inflammation in the joints.
What are the symptoms of rheumatism in children?
Rheumatism and arthritis in children may be accompanied by other rheumatic diseases. The most important system that ensures the existence and mobility of children in life is the movement system. The movement system consists of bones, joints and muscles. All inflammatory changes that occur in the joints, which are the most important building blocks of the movement system, can be seen as "arthritis". Arthritis in children can limit their social skills.
In joints with arthritis;
- Swelling as well as pain,
- Redness
- Heat increase
- limitation of movement.
Acute arthritis lasting less than six weeks is common, especially in childhood, while chronic arthritis lasting longer is not uncommon. Although rheumatism in children is rare, it can be serious.
In particular, one of the three most important chronic diseases of childhood;
- juvenile idiopathic (rheumatoid) arthritis,
- chronic arthritis (one of the most important and can lead to permanent disability if left untreated)
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is characterized by chronic changes in the joints during childhood.
Early recognition of rheumatism in children and prompt initiation of effective treatment can prevent disability. In addition, various rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, dermatomyositis, scleroderma and vascular inflammation can present with arthritis in children. If rheumatic diseases in children are not treated, they can cause disabilities in the future.
How is rheumatism in children treated?
The aim of treatment of rheumatism in children is to enable children to lead a normal life and to prevent joint and organ damage that may occur over an unpredictable period of time while waiting for the disease to heal on its own. Another important goal of treatment of rheumatism in children is to ensure that the physiological properties of the joints, which children will need for a lifetime, are not lost. Treatment is mainly based on the use of medications that prevent systemic and/or joint inflammation and therapeutic methods that preserve joint function and prevent deformities.
Can people with childhood rheumatic diseases play sports?
With effective and regular treatment, rheumatic diseases in children can lead a healthy life without any difference from healthy children and adults. It is important to prevent recurrent attacks in adulthood without sequelae. Sports under the supervision of a physiotherapist, especially sports such as swimming, gymnastics and pilates are very useful in terms of maintaining joint health. The most important advice for parents and children is to follow the treatment options recommended by the specialist without exception. For the recovery of rheumatism diseases in children, they should especially do the sports recommended to them, and should not disrupt the controls and treatment processes.