Definition
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a children’s disease which impairs any joint of the body. The body has an immune reaction which affects the synovial tissue of the joint, resulting into an excessive secretion of synovial fluid. Pain, inflammation and joint oedema thus occur, leading to the ankylosis of the joint. Children aged up to 16 years are affected; symptoms usually disappear after this age.
There are 3 types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis function of the area affected by the disease:
- Pauciarticular arthritis (oligoarthritis): it implies the impairment of up to four joints;
- Polyarticular arthritis (arthritis): five or more joints are impaired;
- Systemic arthritis: is the least common form of JRA, symptoms are generalized, fever and urticaria occur.
Juvenile arthritis does not lead to disability and, when they reach adulthood, these children will have a normal and healthy life (difference from the adults with rheumatoid arthritis). This is why, more and more experts call it juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The designation `idiopathic` means that this disease has an unknown cause and that it does present the classical manifestation of the chronic rheumatic diseases.
Symptoms
Joint pain and joint oedema are the most common symptoms. Joint stiffness is another uncomfortable symptom, being more frequent in the morning. The child may show limping, high fever and urticaria. It is very important that an ophthalmological examination be performed because this disease can impair eyesight.
Diagnosis
There is no standard test for detecting this disease in children. The physician’s diagnosis is based upon the classical examination, the observation of the joints and of walking. A very important role is played by the parents because they can notice joint stiffness or other disorders of the child’s walking.
Treatment
Treatment consists in the reduction of pain and inflammation, at the same time, the increase in joint mobility and the prevention of any complications are taken into account. Treatment consists in medication, gymnastics and physiotherapy.
Without having adverse events and being allowed to be used at any age, we recommend the following:
- The Dr. Boici Cream for the massage of painful joints;
- The Relaxing Gel with hellebore for physiotherapic treatment;
- The Relaxing solution with hellebore for compresses and the boosting of the effect of all the other types of treatment.
These 3 products contain natural extracts of hellebore, chestnut and juniper. The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, antioedema effects and the effects regarding the stimulation of the capillary circulation of this unique composition recommend it for the inflammations, pain and oedema resulting from the juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The calming effect is quick and long-term.