By Viqué-Ocean Kahinju

Every morning, six-year-old Linda complains of joint pain and swelling. However, her mother thinks she is making excuses to keep out of school. Linda’s mother believes only the elderly suffer from joint pain and swelling.

But according to health experts, this could be juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, a form of arthritis that may result in joint pain and swelling. They add that arthritis is common among the elderly, but children too can suffer from it although it is rare.

Dr. Phillip Besimire, a paediatrician at St. Xavier Child Care Centre, says juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is prevalent in children aged under 16 years. Symptoms Similar to other forms of arthritis, the symptoms often flash up and disappear, but sometimes can be persistent. A child may have difficulty walking or stretching the limbs.

Sometimes a child may limp, especially in the mornings, and the joints may swell and stiffen,especially at the knees. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may affect the entire body, causing swollen lymph nodes, a rash and fever, but it can also affect one joint or more, Besimire says.

Symptoms might manifest for only a few months in some children, while others have symptoms for the rest of their lives.

Causes
The cause is not specific, but Besimire says the condition occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the cells and tissues, leading to inflammation of the muscles and joints.

It is mainly triggered by infections caused by a virus or bacteria.
 

Besimire says both heredity and environmental factors can have a bearing, for example, genes may put a child more at risk to environmental factors, such as viruses that may trigger the disease, Besimire explains. A weakened immune system, for example, due to HIV can also trigger arthritis.
 

Risks
Untreated rheumatoid arthritis causes persistent joint pain, muscle swelling and stiffness, which affects growth body movements, usually resulting in disfigurement or deformities.

In addition, because the disease can be chronic, the dependence on drugs can affect normal growth since it affects posture and bone development.

Due to drug dependency, the condition can also increase the risk of infections and cancers,such as lymphoma. Besimire says when it is severe, rheumatoid arthritis can harm the joints, muscles and skin. Internal organs like the heart, liver and kidney can also be damaged, he adds.
 

Treatment
Dr. Jack Mulindwa, a physiotherapist at Mitrand Physiotherapy and Counselling Clinic, says the condition has no cure, but medication is given to avert irritation and support the joints to prevent degeneration of the bones and cartilage.

To manage the condition, experts employ a combination of strategies to relieve joint pain and swelling, enable movement and strength as well as avoid future complications.

A combination of therapeutic exercise and medication is often recommended to relieve pain. Mulindwa says strong pain killers and heat ointments may be used to relieve pain and swelling. Physical therapy may also be recommended to soothe movement and muscle tone, protect the joints and keep them functional.

But when rheumatoid arthritis is severe, surgery might be considered as the last option.

Prevention Parents should keep a keen eye on their children and seek medical attention when a child complains of joint pain and swelling.

Mulindwa says if the condition runs in a family, parents should regularly consult a rheumatologist. He also recommends a cold or warm bath to relieve the discomfort.

“Ensure an improved diet, as arthritis patients tend to have poor appetite. A diet rich in calcium is also important.”