Bay Area chiropractor says he is seeing "text neck," pre-arthritis symptoms in younger people

From cbsnews.com

A Bay Area chiropractor is sounding the alarm as he says he has been seeing more younger clients experiencing symptoms from "text neck." 

"You would start to feel tightness in the cervical spine here, it's going to come down and tight pulling sensation," Dr. Paul Dancy of Joint Chiropractic in San Leandro, told CBS News Bay Area. 

"Children are now starting to come in with text neck. And some children are starting to come up with pre-arthritis before they're 21. That's never been heard of," he added. 

He advises people to lie down, extend their arms, and hold the phones above their heads, or people should hold their phone at eye level, rather than looking down.

"Bring the phone all the way up, all the texting you need to do, respond to emails. Hold it neck up," Dr. Dancy said. 

Angel McTiller has been seeing Dr. Dancy for the past seven years, and said she's been having neck pains. 

"Because it's like constant, yeah, and so now, I just have relief," she told CBS News Bay Area. 

She added that she is concerned about this alarming trend of text neck in the younger generation. 

"It's creating more health issues for these children and it's not giving them the quality of life that they need, especially growing up in their formative years, and it's taking away from that," McTiller said. 

Bianca Ennix is an attorney and said she spends hours in front of a screen every day. She said that she is taking measures to help prevent worse symptoms. 

"Lift my computer up so that my screen is straight ahead instead of me looking down, which is great," she said. "He's suggested different cushions I could put in the back of my chair so it could help support my lower back."

Dr. Dancy is passionate about his work and said he hopes to continue serving and educating families in the Bay Area. 

"Do good work in the community, serve the community, and that's what allowed me to be here for 27 years," he said. 

https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/bay-area-chiropractors-text-neck-pre-arthritis-symptoms-younger-people/?ftag=CNM-00-10aag7e 

World-renowned health economist builds “pathway to impact” for children with arthritis and their families

From cihr-irsc.gc.ca

“Most people don’t know that kids get arthritis,” says Dr. Deborah Marshall. “And they don’t understand the serious and wide-ranging effects of arthritis on child patients, their families, and communities.”

Dr. Marshall, Svare Chair, Health Economics, Value and Impact at the University of Calgary, studies the social and economic burden of juvenile arthritis and gathers data and evidence to influence health decision-making.

“In our research program, we are focused on standardizing measurements of care, measuring treatment preferences, and modelling the cost-effectiveness of personalized treatment strategies,” says Dr. Marshall. “Overall, we’re building a pathway to impact for better health and well-being for children and families.”

                                                                                               Dr. Deborah Marshall

Arthritis is one of the most common inflammatory diseases in childhood. It affects around 25,000 children in Canada. In juvenile arthritis, the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, swelling, inflammation, and in many cases irreversible damage and long-term disability. The disease can have debilitating effects in all areas of a child‘s life.

The good news is that in the last decade a variety of treatment options have become available for children with arthritis. The gap is knowing which treatment will work optimally in each case.

Dr. Marshall with Cassie + Friends, a juvenile arthritis charity. (Photo credit : Cassie + Friends)

Dr. Marshall is the health economics lead for the successful national and international Understanding Childhood Arthritis Network (UCAN) collaboration. Through this collaboration, Dr. Marshall and her colleagues and partners are advancing science, generating knowledge, and have created a highly effective data collection and sharing ecosystem.

“It doesn’t sound very sexy, but we need to measure things,” says Dr. Marshall. “We need to be able to measure the outcomes and socioeconomic burden for patients—and we need data to tell our impact story and drive actionable change.”

Children with arthritis have a variety of treatment options. In Canada, treatments usually start with steroids, then move to a class of drugs named disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, or DMARDS, and finally to biologics, which are expensive and may not be accessible, depending on where you live in the country. It can take a couple of years of trying different drugs before finding one that works best for the patient.

“It’s difficult to believe, that in the 21st century, we still use trial and error to arrive at the right drug,” says Dr. Rae Yeung, a paediatric rheumatologist, leader of the UCAN research program, and Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis.

“With UCAN’s comprehensive data strategy, we can answer questions using data from multiple domains, including demographic, clinical, biologic, socioeconomic and patient reported outcomes. This wholistic approach allows us to develop personalized treatment plans for patients and may lead to cost savings for the health system and families.”

Most studies on juvenile arthritis have focused on medical costs. But what is often hidden are the significant social and economic costs for patients and their families. They include missing school and social activities, having to reduce work hours, and paying out-of-pocket for medications, physical therapy, and travel to see arthritis specialists in other cities.

Dr. Marshall and her team

“It’s heartbreaking to listen to patients and parents talk about the effect of arthritis on their lives,” says Dr. Marshall.

Listening to patients motivated Dr. Marshall and her team to develop research training opportunities and empower patients and their families.

Dr. Marshall is one of the founders of the Patient and Community Engagement Research (PaCER) program at the University of Calgary where participants learn how to design and implement qualitative research studies. A group of youth with arthritis who took the PaCER program conducted a study that filled an evidence gap on the experience of youth with arthritis in the transition from paediatric to adult care in Canada.

An international project led by Canada called PAVE (Producing an Arthritis Value-Framework with Economic Evidence) will develop an evidence-informed, patient and parent co-created framework that will fully capture all the ways that childhood arthritis affects families. Dr. Marshall is collaborating on PAVE with Cassie and Friends, a juvenile arthritis charity, which is the lead patient organization for the consortium.

The strong leadership of Dr. Marshall and her outstanding contributions to programs such as UCAN, PaCER, PAVE, and others helped secure the funding for One Child Every Child, a Canada-first research and translation initiative, which is supported by a major grant from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.

Dr. Marshall also leads the value, impact and knowledge mobilization accelerator of One Child Every Child, which embeds value and impact measures into research activities to achieve maximum impact by design. With their destination clearly in mind, the team is well on the road to creating a healthier future for children in Canada and globally.

https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/54595.html 

Why Arthritis Is Fast Emerging As A Disease Of The Young In India

From news18.com

Once seen as an age-related condition, arthritis is now affecting young Indians. Experts explain the lifestyle, obesity, and nutrition factors driving early-onset arthritis

For decades, arthritis was widely perceived as an inevitable part of ageing, something that crept in with advancing years, bringing along joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. But that perception is rapidly changing in India. Doctors across the country are now seeing a worrying rise in arthritis cases among people in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, signalling a significant shift in the nation’s disease burden.

Dr Ashraf Khan, Consultant Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement Surgeon, Ruby Hall Clinic, Wanowrie, believes this trend is closely tied to how modern lifestyles have evolved. “Arthritis has long been associated with older adults, but today, we are diagnosing it in individuals as young as their 20s and 30s. This is an ominous change," he says.

One of the biggest contributors is a sedentary way of life. Long hours spent sitting at desks, excessive screen time, and minimal physical activity weaken the muscles that are meant to support the joints. When muscles fail to absorb everyday stress, the burden shifts directly onto the joints. Over time, even routine activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods accelerate joint wear and inflammation, paving the way for early-onset arthritis.

Dr Vijay Shetty, Director, Orthopaedic and Joint Replacement, Dr L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, echoes this concern, noting that he has seen a marked rise in young patients aged 25–45 presenting with early arthritis, particularly in the knees and hips. “Prolonged sitting, reduced activity, and poor muscle conditioning overload the cartilage and hasten degeneration," he explains.

Compounding the problem is India’s growing obesity epidemic among young adults. Excess body weight places disproportionate stress on weight-bearing joints such as the knees and hips. Dr Khan points out that even modest weight gain can significantly accelerate cartilage damage. Diets rich in processed foods, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats further worsen the issue by increasing low-grade inflammation throughout the body, which in turn aggravates joint degeneration.

Dr Shetty adds that obesity often overlaps with metabolic syndrome, intensifying chronic inflammation and speeding up cartilage breakdown. At the same time, he highlights another modern paradox: while many young people are inactive, others are engaging in high-intensity fitness routines without proper conditioning or technique. “Untreated ligament injuries, meniscal tears, and cartilage damage from sports or workouts can accelerate post-traumatic arthritis in young adults," he says.

Nutritional deficiencies are another silent driver. Both specialists underline the widespread lack of vitamin D, calcium, and protein among young Indians, largely due to indoor lifestyles and limited sun exposure. These nutrients are vital for bone strength, muscle function, and cartilage repair. Deficiencies weaken the musculoskeletal system, making joints more vulnerable to early degeneration and pain.

Beyond lifestyle and nutrition, other factors are also at play. Dr Shetty notes that genetic predisposition, autoimmune conditions like early-onset rheumatoid arthritis, smoking, and even post-COVID complications are contributing to the rise. “Post-COVID, we are seeing a sharp increase in avascular necrosis of the hip, which often progresses to hip arthritis at a young age," he explains.

The consequences of arthritis in younger adults extend far beyond physical discomfort. Dr Khan warns that early arthritis can lead to reduced mobility, chronic pain, emotional stress, and long-term dependence on medication significantly affecting productivity and quality of life during the most active years. In severe cases, it may even result in joint replacement surgeries much earlier than previously seen.

Despite the growing concern, both experts stress that arthritis in the young is largely preventable. Early identification, timely medical consultation for persistent joint pain, and proactive lifestyle changes are critical. Strength training to support joints, maintaining a healthy weight, balanced nutrition, ergonomic workspaces, and proper rehabilitation after injuries can all delay or even prevent the progression of the disease.

“Arthritis in the young is no longer rare," Dr Shetty concludes, “but with awareness, early diagnosis, and lifestyle modification, it is a trend we can still reverse."

As India grapples with changing lifestyles and health habits, arthritis has clearly ceased to be just a disease of old age. Preventive care today may be the key to protecting joint health for decades to come.

https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/health-and-fitness/why-arthritis-is-fast-emerging-as-a-disease-of-the-young-in-india-9771216.html 

Childhood Abuse Linked to Increased Risk of Arthritis and Psoriasis

From themunicheye.com

Research Highlights Connection Between Early Maltreatment and Long-Term Health Risks 

A groundbreaking study conducted by the University of Birmingham has revealed a significant correlation between childhood maltreatment--encompassing abuse, neglect, and domestic violence--and a heightened risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis in adulthood. Using advanced data analysis software, researchers were able to sift through an extensive database of electronic health records to uncover this connection.

The analysis was based on a comprehensive dataset that included over 16 million health records. The Dexter software platform enabled researchers to distinguish between individuals who experienced maltreatment during their childhood and those who did not. Over a span of 26 years, the records were scrutinized for medical codes related to immune-mediated inflammatory disorders (IMIDs).

The findings, published in the journal Heliyon, indicate that individuals with a history of childhood maltreatment exhibited a significantly higher incidence of both rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis compared to those without such experiences. Notably, the increased risk was more pronounced in female patients.

Dr. Liam Snook led the study, with insights from Professor Joht Singh Chandan, who emphasized the uniqueness of this longitudinal study. Unlike previous research that relied on meta-analyses, which aggregated data from various studies, this investigation provided direct evidence by tracking a matched cohort over time.

Longitudinal studies like this one are vital as they allow researchers to observe changes and effects over time, particularly how early life experiences can influence long-term health outcomes. The study's use of the Dexter software, capable of analysing vast datasets with billions of data points, adds a layer of rigor and reproducibility to the findings.

Professor Chandan pointed out that the implications of this research extend beyond individual health insights. For healthcare professionals, it sheds light on the importance of understanding historical factors that may contribute to current health disparities. This knowledge can inform public health strategies, enabling better allocation of resources to those most in need.

The research identified a total of 256,130 records of individuals who had experienced maltreatment before the age of 18. The control group was composed of 712,478 individuals matched for age, sex, and socioeconomic status. Over the study period from 1995 to 2021, significant differences in the rates of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis were observed.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: 11.19 cases per 100,000 patient years in the maltreatment group vs. 7.77 in the control group (p=0.003).
• Psoriasis: 152.79 cases per 100,000 patient years in the maltreatment group vs. 128.74 in the control group (p<0.001).

This research provides crucial insights into how childhood experiences can affect physical health later in life, particularly concerning autoimmune conditions. The researchers aim to expand their investigations to include further longitudinal datasets in fields such as crime, social care, and mental health, thus broadening the understanding of how various life stressors impact health outcomes.

https://themunicheye.com/childhood-maltreatment-arthritis-psoriasis-link-8277 

Painful Victorian condition 'on the rise among young people' as cases surge in UK

From mirror.co.uk

Gout is a painful condition that is often associated with Victorian Britain, but it continues to be a problem today - and health experts are warning that it is on the rise 

A painful health condition more common in Victorian times is making an unexpected comeback among the younger generation, according to statistics.

A notable spike in gout cases is alarming health experts with the ailment, once rampant in the era of Charles Dickens, seeing a 30 per cent rise in diagnoses among those in their 20s and 30s.

Gout, characterised by severe pain and known as the most common type of inflammatory arthritis in the UK, affects roughly one in 40 people across the nation. It typically manifests as a sudden and intense pain in the big toe, accompanied by swelling and redness, and can eventually spread to other joints, potentially leading to disability.

                                                              Gout causes severe pain(Image: Getty Images)

Medical professionals are now calling for increased vigilance and quicker intervention to manage this condition, as reported by Birmingham Live. Dr Avinash Hari Narayanan (MBChB), clinical lead at London Medical Laboratory, highlighted the importance of early detection, saying: "Unfortunately, gout is a condition that is very much still with us, despite the fact that simple blood tests can help identify people likely to suffer a flare before it ever happens. The charity Arthritis Action says one in 40 Brits now have the condition and it can lead to debilitating pain, even for younger people.

"A study published in the journal BMC Primary Care last November found gout is the most common inflammatory arthritis yet, frequently, it is not managed well enough or taken seriously. The last major UK study into the condition was held as long ago as 2012.

"At that time, a report in the British Medical Journal's (BMJ) Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases revealed cases were significantly higher in 2012 than in 1997, the date of the preceding major study, with a 63.9% increase in prevalence and 29.6% increase in incidence over this period. Concerningly, although most gout patients were still 60 or older, the number of patients aged between 20 and 30 had increased by 30%.

"In some ways, there has been little advance since 2012. NHS Digital statistics show that 234,000 people were admitted to hospital with gout in 2021-2022. The 2023 BMC Primary Care report examined 51,784 cases of people with the disease and found 35.9% suffered at least one more flare during the study period. It found cases of gout flares are more likely in people who are male, Black, have a higher BMI, suffer from heart failure, chronic kidney disease (CKD), cardiovascular disease (CVD) or who take diuretics."

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/health/painful-victorian-condition-on-rise-32626380

Children get arthritis too, with life-changing effects – but exercise can help

From theconversation.com

Arthritis is usually associated with older people but kids can suffer too. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis in children. It affects about about 1 in 1,000 kids under 16 in the UK (roughly 15,000 children), and causes joint pain and inflammation in the hands, knees, ankles, elbows and wrists – although it can affect other body parts, too.

There’s no cure for JIA. Pain can be managed through treatments to ease symptoms, reduce pain and swelling, and prevent joint damage. Medications such as immunosuppressant methotrexate and biological medicine etanercept are widely used. But these treatments can have side effects, such as decreasing ability to fight infection.

Physical activity is essential for kids with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, but sometimes there’s worry it might make their symptoms worse. This condition can cause joint pain, stiffness, and weak muscles, which might stop children from being active. Yet even with these challenges, exercise is beneficial for children with JIA.

JIA isn’t just a physical issue. It affects social connections and future independence, requiring more than medical care. Teens with JIA struggle more than their peers, bringing extra difficulties with school, career choices, staying active, and social development.

How arthritis leaves kids isolated

In particular, JIA students struggle with attendance and participation. They may need to avoid some physical activities, which can leave them feeling isolated and impact their studies.

Schools can support them with tailored programs that address their needs, helping them manage their illness and stay engaged in school. This support is vital for their educational success and future career prospects, but missing school and activities can still hinder their achievements.

If the teenage years are not handled well, it can affect their work life later on. They might find themselves missing work often, struggling to focus while at work, or facing disabilities that make working difficult.

JIA changes over time, which can also make work more difficult. Some people might see their symptoms improve and go into remission, while others might deal with ongoing disability. This uncertainty makes planning for the future and finding the right job even more challenging.

It’s essential, then, to help these young people manage their illness and support their mental and social needs at an early stage.

Physical Activity

One thing that can make a difference is enabling them to take part in physical activity. Lack of activity can lead to weak bones and a lower quality of life whereas appropriate exercise can help make children’s bones stronger, build muscle, improve their ability to exercise, and make them feel better overall. Experts suggest children with JIA should try to be active for 60 minutes a day in a way that suits their health and symptoms.

JIA doesn’t have to preclude taking part in sports, as demonstrated by professional golfer Kristy McPherson and American football star Charcandrick West who forged careers as elite athletes despite the challenges of their condition.

Yet, kids with this condition often do less exercise than their peers, illustrating the need for clear, tailored advice on how children with JIA can exercise safely. This advice should be part of a bigger plan that includes their medical treatment and regular, suitable exercise to help improve their health and avoid future problems.

The problem is low awareness about arthritis in young people can prevent them from getting the support they need to thrive. So it’s crucial for adults in influential roles, like teachers and policymakers – such as politicians and healthcare commissioners – to understand these challenges to improve support for young people with JIA.

Research is underway at the University of Manchester to better understand the impact of various juvenile rheumatic diseases, including JIA, on adolescents and young adults. Our research aims to address some of the unique challenges faced by young people with JIA by informing the development of evidence-based policies that can be implemented by schools, in the work place and government policy to help support the needs of young people with arthritis.

JIA may not always be visible, yet its profound impact on young lives extends far beyond childhood, influencing education, social connections, and future employment. Recognising the full scope of JIA’s effects, alongside ensuring comprehensive support that encompasses both medical and social care, is essential for empowering affected children to navigate their challenges more effectively and lead fulfilling lives.

https://theconversation.com/children-get-arthitis-too-with-life-changing-effects-but-exercise-can-help-223037 

What it’s like to live with arthritis – from a woman diagnosed at 23

From irishcountrymagazine.ie

By Niamh Devereux

When you think of arthritis, where does your mind go? Does it conjure up images of older people, with aching joints; an unfortunate inevitability as we age? If so, this happens to be the most common misconception of this condition, which can affect anyone, right from the moment they are born.

In fact, there are over one million people in Ireland who live with arthritis, including 1 in every 1,200 children and young people under the age of 16, making it the single biggest cause of disability in this country.

Its name, derived from the Greek words arthro-, meaning ‘joint’ and -itis, meaning ‘inflammation’, is an umbrella term encompassing more than 100 diseases of the joints. Depending on the type of arthritis, specific symptoms vary, but usually include pain and stiffness.

Jenny Ireland, an author who lives outside Belfast was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis, which one out of every three people with psoriasis will develop, at the age of 23. The Young Adult writer released her debut novel ‘The First Move’ last year, in which the protagonist has severe arthritis and uses crutches, finding escapism in the world of online chess under a pseudonym.

Here, Jenny discusses her diagnosis, what arthritis is like to live with as an invisible illness and how she manages her symptoms.

                                                                                                               Jenny Ireland

Hi Jenny, thank you for opening up about this to us. Firstly, can you tell us more about your diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, at the age of 23?

I was studying in Paris when I first felt symptoms; a pain in my neck and upper back. I was only 21 then, and just assumed it was muscle pain. It wasn’t until I was working as a paralegal when I was 23 that my knee started to swell and I decided to get it checked out. After a couple of consultations, I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis relatively quickly.  I don’t remember my diagnosis being a huge shock. My dad was a doctor and I assume the possibility must have been broached with me before I was actually diagnosed.

How can you describe what it is like to live with?

Exhausting. Mentally and physically. I actually find the fatigue that comes with the pain, as hard to deal with as the pain itself. It’s particularly difficult at the minute because both my kids play football so I’m constantly on the side lines watching them. I wouldn’t miss their matches for the world, but the standing around is very hard on my joints. It’s easy to get upset about the condition. Most of the time I just get on with things and try to ignore it the best I can, but occasionally I’ll allow myself a day of wallowing in self-pity before I kick myself out of it again. It’s an unpredictable disease which makes it very difficult to manage. Some days I could be at the gym using the cross trainer, and others I’m using crutches, or at home taking painkillers, hiding under an electric blanket because my knees and elbows have swollen up like balloons.

How have you learned to manage your symptoms?

Painkillers, biologic medication, steroid injections, hot water bottles, ice, and humour. Always humour. It’s so easy to get bogged down, thinking about the way life was before the diagnosis.  A bit (a lot) of black humour goes a long way. I have a wonderful support network as well, a husband and parents who can tell very quickly how bad I’m feeling without the need for me to say anything at all. Living in the North, I have access to the NHS, which has been brilliant. I have been under the same consultant for about ten years now and I couldn’t ask for a better doctor.

Your debut novel ‘The First Move’ centres around a character with arthritis; providing that representation must have been very meaningful to you?

Honestly, I didn’t set out to write a book about a character with arthritis, but when I started writing it just made sense that the protagonist should share my diagnosis. And why not! And it was definitely therapeutic. It wasn’t until after I finished the book that I realised many of the things my protagonist said and thought, were things that I find very difficult to voice.

Is it important for you to dismantle the misconceptions around arthritis; that it is a disease that only effects elderly people, for example?

Absolutely. Not just arthritis, but chronic illness in general. Not that often do we see realistic portrayals of chronic illness in literature or on screen. I hope ‘The First Move’ might give people an insight into what it’s like to live with arthritis as a young person. I knew I wanted to write a love story, not a disability book. For me it was important that my main character was just a teenager, who wanted her own love story and just happened to have arthritis. There are so many kids and teenagers with chronic illnesses who are just that, kids and teenagers with normal lives, normal wants and desires, and they absolutely deserve to have their voices shared. And if someone with arthritis or a chronic illness relates to Juliet’s story, or someone without a chronic illness reads the book and has a greater understanding of what it’s like to live with, then all the 5am writing sessions will be worth it.

In 2019, you were hospitalised with encephalitis. It’s thought that, after taking a monthly injection to ease joint pain, which suppressed the immune system, an ordinary virus turned into a life-threatening one. Did that experience alter your outlook in life?

It did absolutely. It made me realise how unbelievably fragile our lives are, that everything can change in a moment and nowadays I definitely care less about the little things. My favourite thing to do now is stand on the side lines, watching my kids play sports. Perhaps it would have been the same if I hadn’t been so ill, but I definitely feel more grateful for small pleasures than I ever did before. It also made me realise how much I love to write. Getting back to writing after  a horrible recovery was more important to me than I ever could have imagined. I also don’t fear illness quite like I used to. Going through that experience made me realise first -hand that serious illness is just a part of life, and is something that will touch us all at one point or another.

https://irishcountrymagazine.ie/what-its-like-to-live-with-arthritis-from-a-woman-diagnosed-at-23/

What Is Juvenile Arthritis? Signs And Symptoms To Be Aware Of In Kids

From india.com

Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to a group of chronic autoimmune diseases that affect children and adolescents, causing joint inflammation and stiffness. Here some common signs, symptoms and treatment that one must be aware of

Juvenile Arthritis is an autoimmune disease affecting nearly 1 out of 1000 children in India, making it the most common form of arthritis among those under 16. The condition leads to chronic pain, joint deformity, growth abnormalities, and difficulties in daily activities. Early diagnosis plays a vital role in improving treatment outcomes for Juvenile Arthritis. Identifying the condition at its onset allows for timely intervention, preventing long-term disabilities and joint damage in children. With prompt diagnosis, doctors can implement appropriate treatment strategies, including medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.

Signs And Symptoms

Children suffering from juvenile arthritis face numerous challenges, including chronic pain, joint stiffness, and reduced mobility, which can significantly impact their daily activities and participation in school and play. The physical limitations caused by the disease may lead to difficulties in walking, gripping objects, or engaging in physical activities with peers. Additionally, they may experience emotional challenges due to the stress of managing a chronic condition and potential social isolation. Moreover, Juvenile Arthritis can affect various body parts, such as the eyes, heart, lungs, and digestive tract, leading to additional health concerns that require careful monitoring and management.

Treatment

According to Dr. Somesh Virmani, Senior Consultant, Institute of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Orthopaedics, Medanta Gurugram, ”Parents must be vigilant and seek medical attention at the first sign of juvenile arthritis, as unchecked inflammation can lead to serious harm to the bones and joints. Parents or caregivers must provide support and understanding to help children cope with these difficulties.” Here are some necessary precautions that one can take:

•  Regular Medical Check-ups: Regular visits to the pediatrician, rheumatologist, pediatric orthopaedic surgeons and other specialists can help monitor the disease’s progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
• Medication Adherence: Ensuring that the child follows the prescribed medication schedule is essential for managing inflammation and pain effectively.Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in nutrients helps support bone health and overall well-being.
• Gentle Exercise: Engaging in gentle exercises and physical activities can help improve joint flexibility and strengthen muscles.
• Emotional Support: Dealing with a chronic condition can be emotionally challenging for children. Providing emotional support and open communication can help them cope better.
• Awareness and Education: Educating teachers, classmates, and friends about JA can foster understanding and create a supportive environment at school and during play.
• https://www.india.com/health/health-health/what-is-juvenile-arthritis-signs-and-symptoms-to-be-aware-of-in-kids-6196770/