Rheumatic Diseases in Children

Bones

Arthritis is one category of rheumatic diseases. Arthritis itself consists of at least 100 diseases. According to Children's Hospital Boston, these diseases can affect children of any age, gender and race.

Types

There are many types of rheumatic diseases including osteoarthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis and polymyositis.

Effects

Children who suffer from rheumatic diseases will have chronic pain and swelling in their joints, which affects mobility.

Causes

Doctors do not know what causes rheumatic diseases in children, but they believe that genetics, trauma and infections might be contributing factors.

Identification

A specialist called a rheumatologist will take the child's complete family and medical history to help identify the cause of the rheumatic disease. The specialist also will order blood work, and X-rays of the bones and joints.

Treatments

There is no cure for rheumatic diseases. Medications such as ibuprofen are used for relief from pain and inflammation. Exercises such as walking and swimming reduce stiffness and help with flexibility of the joints.

References

• Children's Hospital Boston- Introduction, Effects, Causes, Treatments
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases- Identification and Types