Symptoms and treatment of arthritis in children

Every day, doctors discover more and more cases of inflammatory joint diseases. Without treatment, such pathologies are very dangerous, since serious consequences of the disease often develop. If you would like to learn more about the symptoms and treatment of arthritis in children, check out this article.

Causes of occurrence

There are various reasons for the development of arthritis in children. Currently, there are more than a hundred of them. Some causes have a damaging effect mainly on the large joints: the hip, shoulder and knee. Others - into smaller ones. In some childhood diseases, all groups of joints are simultaneously affected, regardless of their size.

Among the most common causes of joint damage are:

Traumatic effects. Knee injury caused by this cause develops in most cases. A blow or fall can cause the anatomical structures that make up the joint to rupture. In this case, the formation and circulation of intra-articular fluid is disturbed. The joint cartilage becomes denser.

Insufficient intake of vital substances. A diet with limited protein, hypovitaminosis lead to metabolic disorders. This condition often contributes to inadequate cartilage nutrition. An improperly selected diet leads to the development of joint pathology in babies aged 2-3 years.
Severe hypothermia. Low temperatures affecting the joint result in spasm of the blood vessels that feed the joints. For some time, the nutrition of the cartilage is disrupted. With prolonged exposure to cold, the outflow and formation of intra-articular fluid is disturbed.

Genetic predisposition. In the presence of joint diseases in parents, the probability of developing the same disease in a child may exceed 50%. There are a number of genes that cause the disease to develop at a certain age. In some cases, this trait is inherited only from the mother or father.
Chronic diseases of internal organs. Bowel diseases take the leading position in the development of arthritis in babies. Impaired absorption of nutrients leads to insufficient supply of nutrients to all elements of the joints. This often contributes to the development of reactive arthritis. Such forms of joint damage are accompanied by an excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid in them.

Various infectious diseases. Infection with viruses or bacteria often leads to the development of infectious-allergic forms of arthritis. In this case, viral toxins have a damaging effect on the joints. Over time, the cartilage that forms the joints becomes stiff. This condition contributes to the development of limited work in the joints.
Lack of vitamin D. Insufficient exposure to the sun against a background of malnutrition can lead to the development of rickets in the baby. In this case, bone density is impaired. With prolonged development, the disease becomes chronic and requires complex treatment.
Rheumatological diseases. As a result of the formation of autoantibodies, which have a destructive effect on the body's own cells, severe inflammation occurs in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common pathologies. To eliminate symptoms, the appointment of hormonal agents is required.

Kinds

A large number of different causes leading to the development of arthritis, also causes a variety of diseases. To classify all arthritis based on the source of the disease, doctors use different classifications.

The following types of arthritis are most common in children's practice:

Juvenile idiopathic. It can be in oligoarticular and polyarticular forms. The difference in them is in the number of affected groups of joints. In polyarticular arthritis, these are more than 5 groups of joints at the same time. It is characterized by an unfavorable course. To eliminate symptoms, hormonal and anti-inflammatory drugs are required, and in some cases even methotrexate.
Reactive. They can occur as a result of traumatic effects on the joints or as a result of secondary chronic diseases. They are characterized by the formation of excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid. Often are the consequences of streptococcal or viral infections. The number of arthritis detected in babies (congenital infection with chlamydia) increases annually.
Juvenile ankylosing. It is also called ankylosing spondylitis. It is characterized by damage not only to the joints, but also to the spine. In the overwhelming majority of cases, it first appears in babies at a very early age. The disease is chronic.

Tuberculous. They are found in babies who have had tuberculosis. Often manifested by damage to the hip or knee joint. When diagnosed, mycobacterium tuberculosis is found in the blood and sputum. To eliminate the symptoms, an intensive course of treatment is required, which lasts 8-12 months.
Oncological. Joint damage in these diseases occurs as a result of the toxic effect of drugs used to eliminate and treat growing neoplasms. Both mono- and polyarthritis can occur. Often characterized by the formation of an excess amount of intra-articular fluid.
Hypothyroid. They develop as a result of a decrease in the function of the thyroid gland. They are characterized by the development of edema in the area of damaged joints, as well as the appearance of effusion (excessive accumulation of intra-articular fluid in the joint cavity). The knee and ankle joints are most commonly affected. In some cases, limitation of movement in the wrist joints develops.

Symptoms and Treatment

The development of the inflammatory process in the joints leads to the appearance of adverse symptoms in the baby. At the beginning of the disease, they are minimally expressed. In the absence of treatment or untimely diagnosis, symptoms begin to increase. The chronic course of the disease is accompanied by persistent (and in some cases even disabling) consequences.

For inflammatory diseases of the joints, the following symptoms are characteristic:

Restricted mobility. The volume of possible movements in this joint decreases. Excessive fluid accumulation and the density of damaged cartilage lead to an inability to perform all active and passive actions.
Soreness. It can be of different intensity and appear both in the midst of complete calmness, and only after the start of movements. Usually, with a mild course of the disease, joint pain can be tolerated. The use of painkillers in such cases allows you to completely get rid of this symptom.
Redness and swelling of the skin. This symptom usually occurs over the area of damaged joints. They become enlarged, somewhat swollen. If the process is one-sided, then when comparing a diseased joint with a healthy one, asymmetry is visible on the other side. In the acute period of the disease, the skin over the affected joint becomes hot.
The appearance of a crunch and clicks. They arise during the movement. These sounds are most often heard with arthritis of the knee or elbow joint. Flexion and extension of the limbs lead to crunching. Traumatic injury is a common cause of this symptom.
Change in well-being. The child becomes less mobile. He tries to limit all active games or brisk walking, as this can cause him severe discomfort. With rheumatological diseases during an exacerbation, the child's body temperature rises, appetite and sleep may be impaired.
Change in gait. If the joints of the lower extremities are damaged, children begin to limp. If the process is one-sided, then when walking, they try to lean on a healthy leg, sparing the patient. With bilateral, the child completely changes his gait. He can jump or step only on his toes.

Treatment of joint diseases is very long. Usually it is assigned only after advanced diagnostics.

For the treatment of various arthritis are used:

Anti-inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs. They help to eliminate pain in the joint, and also relieve severe swelling. They can be prescribed in the form of injections, tablets and various ointments. These funds leave positive feedback after application. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in pill form cannot be used for babies with ulcerative lesions in the stomach or intestines.
Hormonal drugs. Most often prescribed for rheumatological diseases. Discharged by a rheumatologist. Usually prescribed "Prednisolone" or "Hydrocortisone". The dosage, frequency and duration of admission are selected by the attending physician - taking into account the age of the baby, as well as the characteristics of the course of the disease.
Antibiotics or antivirals. Effective for reactive arthritis caused by viruses or bacteria. Discharged after a blood test, in some cases - according to the results of tests that identify pathogens. Appointed for a course appointment, usually from 7-10 days.
Drugs that have a depressing effect on the immune system. They are successfully used to treat autoimmune or rheumatological diseases of the joints. The most famous drug is Sulfasalazine. This remedy helps prevent the rapid development of symptoms of the disease and somewhat delay the development of complications.

Physiotherapy techniques. They are prescribed when the acute inflammatory period of the disease subsides or during remission. Accelerate the regeneration (restoration) of cartilage, as well as improve blood supply to the damaged joint. Electrophoresis with drugs, magnetic therapy and ultrasound promote rapid healing.
The complex of health-improving physical education. It is an important stage of rehabilitation for babies suffering from various types of arthritis. Special programs have been developed that are approved for use by children (age - almost from birth). Physical therapy helps to improve the range of motion in the joints and prevent the development of disabilities.
Spa treatment. It is indicated for all babies with joint diseases. Proper medical nutrition, a set of necessary physiotherapy techniques, as well as regular monitoring by medical specialists will help the child recover from illness faster.

Signs of rheumatic arthritis

Currently, scientists have not identified a single cause leading to the development of this disease. They explain this by the presence of a genetic predisposition to the disease and the individual characteristics of the baby's immune system. Somewhat increases the risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and the transferred streptococcal infection.

Typically, the peak incidence occurs between the ages of 6 and 14 years. Polyarthritis occurs in 45-50% of babies with rheumatoid arthritis.

The knee, elbow and hip joints are most commonly affected. They become enlarged and swollen. The skin above them becomes reddish.

When touched, you will notice that the joints become hot to the touch. In most cases, the process is two-way. When examining diseased joints, damage to the corresponding joints can be noted on both sides at once. The inflammatory process leads to the appearance of a pronounced limitation of movements. When trying to perform any action, severe pain occurs in the joint.

The course of the disease is undulating: periods of exacerbations are replaced by complete well-being. The duration of remission can vary. It depends on the stage of the process, as well as on the adequacy of the selected treatment. The disease should be treated throughout life, as in some cases, adverse symptoms may recur. For the treatment of the disease, the appointment of both non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and hormones is required.

Features of the coxitis of the hip joint

Coxopathies are in second place in the structure of childhood morbidity with arthritis (after lesions of the knee joints). They are found in 25% of children. At an early age, the process is most often bilateral. Children over three years old are characterized by unilateral injuries of the hip joints.

When inflammation occurs in the largest joint in the body, soreness occurs when making any movements. The hip joint provides support when walking. If the work in this joint is disrupted, posture and gait are significantly impaired. In a one-sided process, the child is limping and rests on a healthy leg when walking.

On examination, it can be seen that the damaged joints become swollen. The skin over them turns red. In some cases, they become very hot to the touch. Painful syndrome occurs not only when trying to move. With rheumatological injuries of the hip joint, soreness occurs in the groin. It can spread down the thigh.

The child's behavior is changing. Any attempt to walk or move will make him sore. Kids begin to cry, to be capricious. Such children from the outside look rather passive. They try to spend more time in the crib or on the floor, without making active movements.

With a long course of coxitis, a persistent violation of posture and gait is formed in the child. The kid often "collapses" a little when walking. Usually, the tilt is made to the healthier side. Some babies' gait becomes springy or bouncing. They may tiptoe or rest on their heels when walking.

You can also notice damage to the hip joints when performing massage. Any attempts to spread the legs lead to pain. Even babies show by their behavior that this action leads to the appearance of pain in them. A grimace of pain or displeasure appears on the baby's face. Some babies start to whimper and pull their legs away.

To determine the cause that caused damage to the hip joints, an extended set of diagnostic measures is required. Be sure to show your baby to a rheumatologist and orthopedist. The first signs of the disease should also be suspected by the district or attending pediatrician, who monitors the development of the child from birth. After the examination, the doctor will prescribe all the necessary set of tests and studies to make the correct diagnosis and agree on the tactics of future treatment.

Diagnostics

It can be quite difficult to establish the correct diagnosis for arthritis in children. Sometimes, to identify the cause that caused the disease, a variety of tests and examinations are required.In the most difficult cases, a collegiate examination of the baby is carried out. In this situation, doctors of various specialties are invited to deal with the problems of the development of arthritis in children's practice.

Among the most common basic diagnostic methods are the following:

General blood analysis. Allows you to establish the alleged cause of the disease. With most arthritis, there is an increase in the total number of leukocytes and an acceleration of ESR. Rheumatological diseases are characterized by an increase in these indicators several times. Changes in the leukocyte count are important diagnostic signs of infection with viruses, bacteria, and chlamydia or tuberculosis pathogens.
Rheumatoid factor. It is a specific marker for rheumatoid arthritis. Normally, this substance is not found in the blood. The detection and multiple increase in the rheumatoid factor in the blood serves as a wake-up call for parents - it's time to consult a rheumatologist with the child.
Blood test for the presence of ASLO. This laboratory test will show the presence of antibodies to streptococcus in the child's body. The method allows you to accurately determine the presence of rheumatoid arthritis.
Ultrasound procedure. Helps to reliably describe all anatomical defects of the structures that form the joints. This study shows the total amount of intra-articular fluid. Can be used for toddlers. This method is relatively safe and does not bring any pain to the child.
X-ray of the joints. Not used for young babies. It is prescribed in difficult cases when it is required to determine the presence of anatomical defects. It is most often used in trauma and orthopedic practices. Good for identifying traumatic joint injury.
Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography. These methods are highly reliable and accurate. They describe all the defects and injuries that are present even in the smallest joints. The methods are relatively safe and do not cause pain in the baby. The disadvantage of research is the high cost.

Effects

The course of inflammatory diseases of the joints is usually long-term. To eliminate the adverse symptoms of the disease, the use of various medicinal and non-medicinal techniques is required. In most cases, correctly selected therapy leads to the well-being of the child and the preservation of his usual lifestyle. With a timely scheduled rehabilitation, children with arthritis practically do not lag behind their peers in terms of physical development.

In some babies, the course of the disease is severe. Even the prescribed therapy does not help lead to the desired result. The long course of the disease leads to complications.

With arthritis of the temporomandibular joint, the chewing function is impaired. In the initial stage of the disease, this leads to the development of crunching and crepitus, which are audible during chewing. Then the child's bite may be disturbed.

Damage to the joints of the lower extremities leads to the development of persistent deformities. They contribute to gait disturbance. Over time, the child develops persistent lameness. In some cases, this may even become a reason for establishing a disability group.

Arthritis of the small joints of the hands, which are found in rheumatological diseases, lead to the development of motor disorders. In schoolchildren, this is manifested by a strong curvature of the handwriting. In some cases, the text is even impossible to read. It is quite difficult for babies suffering from polyarthritis of small joints of the hands to button up the buttons on a shirt. Habitual actions performed in everyday life can cause significant difficulties for them.

With the development of persistent complications that significantly limit the normal way of life of the baby, doctors decide to establish a disability group. Usually for babies with arthritis, a second or more often a third group is installed. Such children require constant attention and control over the course of the disease (by medical workers). Children with disabilities due to arthritis are advised to receive regular spa treatment. Medicines are prescribed for them on a preferential basis.

Forecast for the future

With properly selected treatment and adequate rehabilitation, the child's usual way of life is almost completely preserved. With a mild course of the disease, babies can even attend various sports sections. The amount of physical activity must be coordinated with the attending physician.

For the full development of the child, you should carefully plan which sports sections he can attend. Toddlers with knee injuries should not choose soccer or running. These sports are suitable for children suffering from polyarthritis of small joints of the hands.

The kid, who regularly undergoes spa treatment and visits a doctor, is under control. In this case, his disease is easier to treat. It takes a lot of time for the development of joint diseases. Regular examinations and properly selected treatment can significantly improve the prognosis.