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Early Signs of Arthritis: What Parents and Adults Should Know

Sat 12 Oct 2024    
EcoBalance
Guest View | 3 min read

Arthritis is often thought of as a condition that affects older adults, but did you know that it can also impact children and young adults? While arthritis is commonly associated with joint pain in older individuals, it can begin at any age, and understanding the early signs can help in early diagnosis and management.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints that can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling. It is an umbrella term for more than 100 conditions affecting the joints. The most common types are osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear on the joints, and rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints.

Early Signs in Children (Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis – JIA)

While arthritis in children, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), is rare, it’s crucial for parents to be aware of the signs. Early intervention can improve long-term outcomes.

  1. Persistent Joint Pain: If your child complains of pain in their knees, wrists, ankles, or fingers that lasts more than a few days, it might not just be growing pains.
  2. Stiffness in the Morning: If your child struggles to move freely after waking up, this stiffness could be an early sign.
  3. Swelling and Redness: Look out for swelling in the joints, even if your child hasn’t had any injuries.
  4. Fatigue and Fever: Children with arthritis may feel unusually tired or have low-grade fevers that come and go.

Early Signs in Adults

Arthritis in adults can be triggered by various factors, including genetics, wear and tear, or autoimmune conditions. Here are the early signs adults should watch out for:

  1. Joint Stiffness: If you notice stiffness in your hands, knees, or other joints, particularly in the morning or after long periods of inactivity, this could indicate arthritis.
  2. Joint Swelling: Swelling around the joints is a clear indicator of inflammation and could mean that arthritis is developing.
  3. Decreased Range of Motion: As arthritis progresses, it becomes harder to move the joints freely.
  4. Warm or Red Joints: If you notice that your joints feel warm to the touch or appear red, it could be a sign of inflammation.
  5. Fatigue and General Malaise: Adults with early-stage arthritis often experience fatigue or an overall sense of feeling unwell, even without noticeable joint pain.

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Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Recognizing arthritis early can significantly improve management and treatment outcomes. When detected in the initial stages, a combination of medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes can slow down the progression of the disease and improve quality of life. Untreated arthritis can lead to joint damage, reduced mobility, and chronic pain.

Managing Arthritis in Children and Adults

While there is no cure for arthritis, several treatment options can help manage symptoms:

  • Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
  • Physical Therapy: Exercises that improve joint function and muscle strength are essential in managing arthritis.
  • Healthy Diet: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help ease symptoms.
  • Regular Check-ups: Regular consultations with a pediatrician for children or a rheumatologist for adults can help keep arthritis in check.

Arthritis doesn’t only affect the elderly—it can impact children and adults alike. Early recognition of symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly can help manage arthritis effectively, preventing long-term damage and improving daily life. Be aware of the signs, trust your instincts, and don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect arthritis in yourself or your child.

Raising awareness of arthritis is vital to ensuring early detection and better care for everyone. Stay informed, and take action early!

This article is contributed by:

Dr. James Chettupuzhakaran George, Specialist Orthopaedics

Aster Hospital Sharjah


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