As its name implies, juvenile psoriatic arthritis is a condition that primarily affects children and teenagers who are under 18 years. It is estimated that approximately 290,000 American teens and children under 18 have this arthritic condition. In fact, there are several forms of juvenile arthritis and among childhood ailments, juvenile arthritis is one of the most common. Because of how prevalent juvenile psoriatic arthritis is in the United States, the cost of treating the condition is rather expensive. According to estimates, juvenile psoriatic arthritis has a yearly cost of $128 billion, including medical care and indirect costs such as lost productivity and lost wages.
Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis Symptoms
Pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness in the joints are just a few of the common symptoms of juvenile psoriatic arthritis. These symptoms can significantly affect a patient’s mobility. There are other symptoms of the disease. In some cases, patients may experience joint contractions, as well as cartilage damage that could result to bone deformation. Patients can also experience bone growth changes, which can lead to stunted body.
Who Contracts Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis
Both boys and girls can develop this arthritis condition. The disease typically occurs when children contract psoriasis. Medical science is yet to pinpoint exactly what causes juvenile psoriatic arthritis. What is known is that the disease is not contagious. And while it is suspected that toxins, certain foods, and allergies may have something to do with the development of the disease, there is still not enough evidence to show this is the case.
Diagnosing Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis
A child’s medical history, as well as lab test results, will determine a diagnosis of juvenile psoriatic arthritis. If your child is diagnosed with this arthritic condition, treatment primarily involves management of the condition. It involves controlling the inflammation and providing pain relief in order to prevent the joints from becoming further damaged. The treatment also involves maximizing the patient’s ability to function and move around as much as possible.
Is Juvenile Psoriatic Arthritis Curable?
Many parents whose children are diagnosed with the condition wonder if the disease is curable. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the disease. Drugs can slow down the effects of juvenile psoriatic arthritis on a young person’s joints, but that is all. There is good news, though. With early diagnosis and treatment, the pain and all the other symptoms can be significantly lessened, making the disease more manageable and bearable.
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