Can Teens Get Arthritis
When most people think of arthritis, they think of older people suffering from creaky, stiff, and painful joints. However, arthritis doesn’t just affect senior citizens and people in middle age. It can affect teenagers as well.*
Arthritis is sort of an umbrella term that can refer to numerous conditions in which the joints are inflamed, swollen, or experiencing pain in other ways.* It can be caused by overuse, injury, genetics, autoimmune conditions, and more.*
Joint pain in teenagers isn’t uncommon and it is usually the result of an autoimmune condition that signals the body to inflame the joints and cause pain. Though arthritis in teenagers isn’t nearly as common as it is in older adults, it is still something to look out for.*
That’s why early detection is important because juvenile arthritis can be treated and managed. In today’s article, we will be talking all about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and what can be done about it.
Types of Arthritis in Teens
By far, the most common type of arthritis that afflicts teenagers is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. This condition may cause swelling in the synovial fluid of the joints and chronic pain.*
While juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in teenagers, it’s not the only type. Reactive arthritis, which is a pain or swelling in the joints that can be caused by an infection in other parts of the body, can also strike teens and young adults.*
Causes and Risk Factors
Just like typical adult onset arthritis, juvenile arthritis can be caused by multiple factors. Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes for juvenile arthritis:
- Genetic Predisposition - Genes may be a major contributing factor to juvenile arthritis. However, the gene signals that cause early arthritis are not well understood.* In fact, the term “idiopathic” denotes that the exact cause is not known. However, genetic predisposition is believed to be a major risk factor for most teens to develop juvenile idiopathic arthritis.*
- Autoimmune Triggers - JIA can also be caused by your own immune system in response to some phantom issue or infection of the body’s tissue.* While autoimmune triggers that lead to juvenile arthritis are not fully understood, it is implicated as one of the most common causes of JIA.*
- Lifestyle or Injury-Related Factors - Sustaining an injury that affects cartilage, muscles, soft tissue, or even bones can trigger juvenile arthritis in some cases.* Poor diet and lifestyle choices can exacerbate the condition.*
Early Warning Signs
Juvenile arthritis symptoms can take many forms so it’s best to look out for the early warning signs so you can successfully manage the condition. Here are some early signs of arthritis in teens:
- Persistent Joint Pain or Stiffness - Of course, the first sign you should look out for is consistent pain in one or multiple joints.* Nagging joint stiffness can also be an early warning sign of JIA.*
- Swelling or Redness in Joints - If you are noticing a reddening of the skin around your joints or visible swelling, it could be a sign of JIA.
- Fatigue or Fever - Since some of the causes of arthritis in teenagers have to do with actions of the immune system, you should also be on the lookout for chronic fatigue or otherwise unexplainable fevers.*
- Limited Range of Motion - JIA can also reduce the range of motion in your knees, ankles, elbows, shoulders, knuckles, wrist hips, lower back, and other joints.*
Diagnosis
In general, you will want to take your teen to see a doctor if they experience joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, fatigue, or fever that last more than a week. You may also want to consult with a doctor if the pain in your teen’s joints gets to be excessive or debilitating.*
Luckily, there are a number of tests that can accurately diagnose juvenile arthritis. Such tests include blood work to identify the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies, a physical exam to check for swelling in the joints, X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs to check for alterations in the soft tissue or bones.*
Your doctor may also order urine tests to provide further insight as to what is causing the condition.*
Treatment Options
Managing arthritis in teens is possible and there are a number of treatment options your doctor may suggest.* Most of the time, your doctor or specialist will advise diet and lifestyle changes to introduce more helpful nutrients into your teens diet. A safe regimen of exercise that benefits joint function may also be suggested.*
There are also medications such as DMARDs that may treat the inflammation caused by arthritis.* Physical therapy may also be helpful in the treatment and management of arthritis pain.*
High-quality joint health supplements like JointXL Plus may also be recommended by your doctor to support the long-term health of your teen’s joints and to help reduce inflammation.*
Coping & Support
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis is not always an easy condition to live with and it takes some careful consideration to manage successfully. For instance, you may have to reconsider some of the sports and after-school activities that your child is involved in.*
Your teen may also be in need of emotional support as JIA can cause major lifestyle changes that can be jarring for an adolescent. Luckily, there are a number of support groups available to access online that may help your teen understand their condition and form bonds with other young people with the same condition.
FAQs
What are the early signs of arthritis in teens?
Early signs include persistent joint pain, stiffness, swelling, fatigue, and fever. Pay attention if the symptoms last for more than a week.
How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, and physical exams to detect swelling, inflammation, and joint damage.
What causes juvenile arthritis?
The exact cause is not fully understood, but it may involve genetic factors, autoimmune triggers, or previous injuries. An active immune system response is often a key factor.
Can juvenile arthritis be treated?
Yes, with early detection, juvenile arthritis can be managed through medication, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy.
Is juvenile arthritis common in teens?
While rare, juvenile arthritis can affect teens. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common form seen in young people.
Conclusion
Perhaps the most effective method of arthritis treatment for teens is early detection.* By taking proactive measures to diagnose and treat juvenile arthritis, you can give your teen the best chance to lead a healthy and active lifestyle.*
So be aware of the common signs of JIA which include chronic joint pain, swelling, morning stiffness, unexplained fever, fatigue, and limited range of motion.* Consult with a doctor as soon as possible if your teen is exhibiting one or more of these symptoms.*
Most of all, don’t let JIA make you despondent. Be aware that it is possible for your teen to lead a normal and healthy life even if they are diagnosed with JIA.* Also, keep in mind that there are also support groups for families of teens with JIA.*
Another proactive measure you can take is to read up on and research arthritis supplements for teenagers.* Some supplements like JointXL Plus for joint health can make a real difference in your teen’s life without the need to make major lifestyle changes.*
So keep an open line of communication with your teenagers and don’t be afraid to take precautionary measures against juvenile arthritis.