Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month
Chapa-De Indian Health Auburn Grass Valley
A couple of months ago we wrote a blog post about Arthritis. About the signs, symptoms, and potential treatments. This month, we want to focus specifically on Juvenile Arthritis and the effects that it has on our youth.
Arthritis is a degenerative disease. The word ‘degenerative’ is often associated with aging and with people that are elderly. However, arthritis does not only affect to the elderly. Sadly, 300,000 children in the U.S. are affected by arthritis. This makes their lives and childhoods more difficult than they should have to endure.
What is Juvenile Arthritis and how does it differ?
Juvenile Arthritis, or “JA”, is defined as arthritis that affects children under the age of 16 years old. Just like the arthritis that affects our parents and grandparents, JA affects children’s immune systems. This causes swelling, stiffness, and inflammation of the joints. JA can also affect the skin, the heart, blood vessels, and digestive track.
Different Types of JA Include:
Cause or Cure?
Unfortunately, there is no known cause for JA. There is also no known cure. The best option is to catch it early and begin treatment. JA is diagnosed through a number of tests, including blood and imaging tests.
Treatment can include:
- Medication
- Physical Therapy
- Sometimes surgery
It can be hard to determine the difference between normal growing pains and more severe concerns like JA. If you are ever worried about your child or have questions, call us!
To make an appointment or to speak with a member of our team call our Auburn location at (530) 887-2810 or our Grass Valley location at (530) 477-8545 or visit us online at https://chapa-de.org.
MayoClinic.com
Arthritis.org
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Chapa-De Indian Healthcare Auburn Grass Valley