Physical & Neurological Disabilities Juvenile Arthritis

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oWZuV5rXwCk

Definition of arthritis

arth (joint) itis (inflammation)

Affects joints and musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, cartilage, tendons and ligaments

Inflammation of the synovial membrane

Joints become stiff, swollen, painful, and warm to the touch

Juvenile Arthritis

Term used for children ages 16 and youngerAffects about 1/1,000 in Canada— a total of 10,000 Typically affects joints but can involve the eyes,

skin and gastrointestinal tract as well Most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis

(JIA)7 different types of JIA including:

Oligoarthritis (two different types) –affecting 1 to 4 joints Polyarthritis (two different types) – affecting more than 5 joints Enthesitis-related arthritis – arthritis and inflammation of

tendon insertions Psoriatic arthritis – arthritis accompanied by psoriasis Systemic arthritis – arthritis accompanied by fever and rash

Systemic arthritis is the most severe form of JIA (can include inflammation of the skin, liver, heart and lungs)

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Causes

• Most forms are autoimmune disorders(some are autoinflammatory)• Doctors don’t know why the immune system attacks healthy tissues • Scientists suspect that it’s a two-step process:

1)First, the combination of genes a child receives from family members gives him or her a tendency to develop juvenile arthritis

2)Then an environmental factor, such as a virus, triggers the development of the disease.

Diagnosis

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• Pediatric rheumatologist• No single blood test • Laboratory work• X-rays • Other imaging tests

But… most of these tests will help rule out other potential causes of symptoms

Symptoms & Secondary problems

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Pain may limit more or less severely movement of the affected joint

With Systemic arthritis, the lymph nodes located in the neck and other parts of the body will swell

Eye inflammation is a potentially severe complication

Eye diseases such as iritis or uveitis can be present

Remissions & FlaresGrowth problems

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Treatments

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No known cureUnique treatment plans: Involve a combination

of medication and professionals (rheumatologist, dentist, ophthalmologist, nurse, physical therapist, OT, etc.)

Two types of medication: 1) Those that help relieve pain and inflammation 2) those that can alter the course of the disease,

put it into remission and prevent joint damage Also hormone growth medication

Developmental issues

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About 60% of children and teenagers with JIA will have active arthritis as adults

The longer the disease remains active, the greater the risk of having joint damage

Symptoms are mostly controlled with treatments so children are able to do the things they want to do

Exercise is important for reducing the symptoms

Swimming is particularly good because it uses many joints and muscles without putting weight on the joints

Assistive technology

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Assistive Devices for Mobility:

Cane, Crutches, or Walker Splints/Braces Orthotics (inserts for the shoes) Elevated chair legs Wheelchairs Reachers Stepstools

Assistive technology (2)

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Assistive Devices for the Kitchen: Typically useful for adults, certain modifications can be made in the kitchen

children and teenagers. Wide grips Jar-opening devices Large handles Rocking T knife Milk carton holder

Assistive technology (3)

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Assistive Devices for the Bathroom:

Tub bench or shower seat Safety bars Raised toilet seat Shower curtain Electric toothbrush Large sponge or wash mitt

Assistive technology (4)

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Assistive Devices for Getting Dressed:

Buttoning aid Zipper pull Clothes fastener Sock aid Long-handled shoehorn Velcro Large buttons

Assistive technology (5)

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Assistive Devices for Around the House and school:

Touch lamps Large knobs or levers Book stands Adapted scissors Pencil holder Mouth device for computer Devices for desks

Organizations or community services available

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New self-help program called AIDE entrAIDE

Kids on the Move Camphttp://www.arthritis.caEducational programs 

Support Groups

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