OSTEOARTHRITIS IN CHILDREN

Osteoarthritis in Children

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis found in children which is also known as degenerative joint disease. Osteoarthritis in children can affect any joint in the body such as knees, lower back, fingers, hips and feet.

The main symptom of this disease in children is the breakdown of joint cartilage. The development of this disease develops very slowly in children and no sign or symptom is shown. There can be various symptoms which can be the cause of osteoarthritis in children and they are:-

Discomfort in a joint

Bony lumps on the middle or end joints of the fingers or the base of the thumb

Pain in a joint after a period of inactivity

Loss of joint flexibility

Swelling and stiffness in a joint

The children having osteoarthritis, the problem lies in the cartilage that cushions the ends of bones in the joints. The cartilage deteriorates and the smooth surface becomes rough. In this way, the ends of bones become damaged and the joints begin to pain. The exact cause for this disease is not known. But there are various factors due to which children get osteoarthritis are heredity, joint injury or stress, being overweight, muscle weakness and the aging process.

If the child is suffering from swelling or stiffness in the joints for more than two weeks then they should be immediately taken to the doctor. If the doctor confirms that the child is having osteoarthritis then the doctor can recommend some pain management and treatment plan to the child. The medical advice can also be taken if the child is suffering from side effects from arthritis medications such as abdominal discomfort, constipation, nausea etc.

Osteoarthritis can be diagnosed in children by taking various tests like blood tests, physical examination of the child can also be done and various other tests such as MRI, CT scan, bone scan, X-rays etc. If the child is suffering from acute pain in the joints then joint replacement surgery for pain can also be done.

There are various treatments available by which children are treated and they are:-

Medications – Some topical medications such as creams, ointments and gels and oral medications are given to treat pain and mild inflammation of osteoarthritis in children.

Acetaminophen, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Tramadol, injections can also be given for treating the osteoarthritis in children.

The children can also relieve from pain by taking some self care techniques such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, controlling weight and doing some relaxation techniques.