When most of us think of arthritis, we picture an elderly person. Arthritis can affect people at any age and rheumatoid arthritis in particular has been known to affect young children. This chronic medical condition usually occurs in joints that are present on both sides of the body such as the knees, hands, or wrists. Medical professionals often hesitate to prescribe medication or surgery and instead recommend a special diet for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
It is unknown how children acquire this disease, but it is suspected that a combination of genetics, hormones, and the environment are responsible. The immune system is triggered to attack joints and possible organs and other body parts like the blood, nerves, skin, or eyes. The role of genetics is still being researched but doctors do believe that an inherited or a genetic factor places a child more at risk for developing the condition.
Arthritis can affect people at any age and rheumatoid arthritis in particular has been known to affect young children.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by painful, stiff, tired, and swollen joints. Diagnosis is based on factors including the symmetry and location of the affected joints, presence of rheumatoid nodules under skin, X-ray test results, and positive results on a rheumatoid factor blood test or cyclic citrulline antibody test. Mild anemia and joint stiffness during mornings can also indicate the presence of this condition.
Common treatments include rest, exercise, medication, and surgery that corrects joint damage. The type of treatment varies depending on the medical history, severity, health status, and age of the sufferer. When children are patients, treatments that are the least invasive and have the fewest negative side effects are often selected. Medications can be addictive or have severe side effects including immune system suppression and surgery is not recommended for a growing child.
Avoid eating meat that contains lots of saturated fat. Instead, eat lots of vegetables, fruits and fish that contains beneficial oil.
Adjusting the diet can prove very effective with children suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Vegan diets, which are free of products derived from animals, and elimination diets that restrict foods thought to trigger symptoms can be effective. Adding omega-3 fatty acids can reduce inflammation, calcium builds strong bones, and fruits, whole grains, and vegetables provide vitamins and antioxidants that fight disease.
Relatively few children test positive for the rheumatoid factor but those who do are at high risk for joint damage. Until a cure is found, a diet for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can reduce inflammation and other symptoms of this disease. Children may find that adjusting what they eat allows them to live a healthy and active lifestyle.