What is Polyarticular Juvenile Arthritis?

Polyarticular Juvenile Arthritis is a type of arthritis that affects children between twelve and sixteen years of age. This disease affects roughly one third of Juvenile arthritis sufferers and mainly targets females. The joints affected are usually evenly distributed between the right and left sides of the body.

For instance if the right foot is affected, the left foot is typically also affected. The joints affected in polyarticular juvenile arthritis are usually the smaller joints for instance the finger joints, however in some cases the larger joints such as the knee or hip joint are also involved. This form of juvenile arthritis also involves more joints than the more common pauciarticular form, at least five or more joints can be swollen and painful.

A few children with polyarticular juvenile arthritis may have the rheumatoid factor in their blood (RH) which means the disease can manifest as rheumatoid arthritis later in life, but fortunately most will grow out of it.

Systemic Juvenile Arthritis is a more serious form of the disease and it is this form that is most likely to continue into adulthood.

Children with systemic juvenile arthritis can have several joints that are swollen and painful. There may also be a fever which lasts about two weeks. The fever is usually worse in the afternoon and evenings. Systemic juvenile arthritis accounts for about 20% of juvenile arthritis sufferers.

Children with systemic juvenile arthritis may also have a pink rash that appears on the thighs and lower body.

Systemic juvenile arthritis can also affect the lymph system and internal organs, such as the heart and liver. On the other hand, few children with the systemic form carry the RH factor which can develop into rheumatoid arthritis.

Arthritis in children can vary from day to day. Make the most of the days that your child is feeling better. It's important that they get enough exercise to build their muscles and ensure healthy growth.

Meanwhile research continues into this disease on all levels. Finding the cause, new medications and other treatments. Natural arthritis treatments are fine to use for children and can help them and their parents find other options for treating this disease. Meanwhile try to ensure your child has a normal a life as possible and remains as carefree and happy as possible.