Joint inflammation can affect children under 16 and just like adults, children can experience symptoms of arthritis known as juvenile arthritis. Although there is no specific cure, maintaining a clean diet and regularly engaging in routine exercises can help to fight juvenile arthritis and relieve symptoms associated with the condition.
What is Juvenile Arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the body’s own immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues, causing pain and discomfort in the individual.
There are various forms of arthritis that affect children of all ages, the most common one being juvenile idiopathic arthritis where, most often than not, the cause is unknown.
Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis
Children with juvenile arthritis experience the following symptoms:
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Stiffness in and around the joints
- Reduced mobility
- Redness and warmth
Nearly 300,000 children in the United States are affected by juvenile arthritis. Let’s work together to combat the painful symptoms caused by juvenile arthritis and strive toward strengthening the affected joints to find relief.
Fitness Tips to Keep In Mind
In honor of juvenile arthritis awareness month, we bring you some important fitness tips to help you fight juvenile arthritis and promote healthy living for you and your family.
1. Arthritis-Friendly Exercises
Arthritis doesn’t stop you from engaging in exercise. Exercise is extremely important for individuals with any form of arthritis as specific exercises work to relieve pain, boost feel-good hormones, and help to manage stress, leading to a higher quality of life.
Children can engage in exercises that the whole family can participate in which encourages teamwork and working together to fight this uncomfortable condition.
Types of juvenile arthritis-friendly exercises include:
- Swimming
- Stretching
- Range of motion exercises
- Cycling
- Yoga
- Balance exercises
While contact sports are not recommended, always encourage your children to try out new sports and try to become involved in the sports they choose to participate in.
2. Set Goals
Never give up on what you set out to achieve. If you and your child decide to set specific goals, be determined to work toward them and complete the goal you are working toward.
If certain exercises are starting to be too painful, it is okay to stop and take a break. However, there are plenty of other choices to switch to, and the more determined you are to stay active, the more motivated you will be to accomplish the task ahead of you.
3. Doctors Will Always Help
Make sure you always inform your health care provider on what you are up to and continue to make it to all your appointments and follow-ups. Your doctor is the best person to help you fight this condition and keeping him or her in the loop will only help you out in the long run.
Importance of an Anti-Inflammatory Diet
Following an anti-inflammatory diet is one of the first steps in helping to fight juvenile arthritis. Foods high in anti-inflammatory properties can help to relieve joint pain and reduce any swelling in the surrounding region.
Examples of foods high in anti-inflammatory properties include:
- Broccoli
- Brussels Sprouts
- Turmeric
- Foods high in vitamin C
- Garlic
- Tuna and salmon
Some Additional Information
It is important to be patient and encourage your child to participate in as many activities as they set out to accomplish. Additionally, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Be as involved as possible — both emotionally and physically.
- Join social and after-school activities to try to stay as active as possible.
- Check for inflammation in the eye as it is a common symptom in this area.
- Make sure to listen to your child, especially during sports. If they feel sore or are in pain at any point, it might be best to avoid that sport.
Quick FAQs
1. How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?
To diagnose this condition, individuals undergo a physical exam, is asked about their family’s health history and has to undergo blood tests and x-rays to find the issue.
2. How common is juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis affects about 300,000 children in the U.S.
3. How can you treat juvenile arthritis?
Although there is no specific cure, following a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and following an anti-inflammatory diet can help to reduce symptoms of juvenile arthritis in the individual.
The content of this Website is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and does not constitute professional advice. The information on this Website should not be considered as complete and does not cover all diseases, ailments, physical conditions, or their treatment. You should consult with your physician before beginning any exercise, weight loss, or health care program and/or any of the beauty treatments.
References:
Juvenile Arthritis. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arthritis.org/about-arthritis/types/juvenile-arthritis/
Juvenile Arthritis. (2018, March 21). Retrieved from https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/juvenile-arthritis
6 Food Choices to Help Ease Arthritis Pain. (2016, February 18). Retrieved from http://blog.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/diet-foods-arthritis-pain/
(n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=1077&language=English
