Childhood osteoarthritis, what it is and how to prevent it
Although osteoarthritis is a disease that usually affects adults, children can also get it. In this sense, it is important to know what is childhood osteoarthritis and how it can be prevented to be prepared. Below, you will find all the details about its cause, symptoms, and prevention.
What is childhood osteoarthritis
It is called juvenile idiopathic arthritis to the type of arthritis suffered by children under 16 years. This occurs when the synovial fluid in the joints becomes inflamed causing pain and difficulty in movement. On the other hand, childhood osteoarthritis can affect the growth and bone development of the child if it is not treated in time.
Symptoms of pediatric osteoarthritis are usually seen when your baby gets up from sleep. For example, your child may feel joint pain or swelling and stiffness in them. As well as presenting high fever, rash, and swollen glands.
How childhood osteoarthritis occurs
Even medicine does not fully understand how childhood osteoarthritis occurs. It has been observed that this occurs in children mainly when the defenses of the immune system attack the tissues of the joints but the causes and development as they occur as an adult are totally different.
In addition, some studies determine that genetics, nutrition, and low bone mineral density are also related to the disease. So a balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals, is essential to care for your little ones.
Treatment and prevention of childhood osteoarthritis
Some of the care when the child has some symptoms of childhood osteoarthritis is based on the use of anti-inflammatory and anti-rheumatic medications. These are usually combined with therapies and the use of splints or supports to take care of the joints.
On the other hand, when you only have joint pain without the clear suspicion of this disease, compresses can be used to reduce pain, especially when you get up.
Surgery is only considered as an option in severe cases where the disease has deformed the joint. In all the above cases it is vital that you see your doctor and avoid self-medicating the child.
As for prevention, the main thing is to give your child a balanced diet and regulate physical activities as directed by the doctor. It is also extremely important that you always choose soft, flexible shoes with no heels for your child.
For all the above, it is very important to check the baby or child with the doctor regularly. As well as observe if the child is growing properly and be attentive to the symptoms of childhood osteoarthritis. This way, you won’t have to worry about and your child will enjoy healthy and strong joints.
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