Types of Arthritis in Children

Although it is not as commonly found in children, arthritis can be suffered at any age. Children can develop arthritis as well, and suffer from the same symptoms as adults do. There are many different types of arthritis that are commonly found in children.

Systemic Arthritis - This type of arthritis has other symptoms as well such as high fevers, rash, swollen internal organs as well as swollen, painful and stiff joints in the hands, shoulders, and ankles. This condition is found in small children and does not have a gender preference; boys and girls both equally develop this condition.

Psoriatic Arthritis - This condition is suffered by children who suffer from the skin condition psoriasis. Flare-ups of psoriatic arthritis tend to coincide with psoriasis flare-ups. These flare-ups last for days or weeks at a time. The best way to treat psoriatic arthritis in children is to treat the skin condition in order to prevent break outs of the skin rash that causes the primary symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - This is the most common type of arthritis seen in children and is caused by an auto immune disorder that causes the immune system to attack the tissue that lines the joints as if it was a foreign body. The tissue damage that results causes painful swelling in the affected joints. This condition is commonly treated with anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce the swelling.

Juvenile Lupus - Lupus is another auto immune disorder that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue and organs as if they were a foreign body. Lupus causes symptoms similar to rheumatoid arthritis causing the joints to become stiff, swollen and painful. This condition is incurable; however, it can be treated with medications and diet modifications.