Why Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis May Cause Swollen Lymph Nodes

What is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a type of condition affecting the joints of the body. This condition, as stated by the word juvenile, occurs in children primarily under the age of 16. Complications of this problem include stiffness, pain, and redness. This form of arthritis is merely one of the many different forms of arthritis. It may last for weeks or months and then end, or persist for a lifetime.

In serious cases of JRA it is helpful to seek out treatment at a pain rehab facility. Programs offered by such pain treatment centers may help to reduce symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and prevent them from becoming long-term problems. This type of arthritis is the most popular form of arthritis to occur in children. JRA is experienced differently by each person with some suffering from more severe, long-term symptoms than others. There are 3 primary forms of JRA. These forms are: pauciarticular, polyarticular, and systemic.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is different from adult rheumatoid arthritis because it does not create as much long-term damage to the bones. Rheumatoid arthritis in adults tends to damage the bones at a much faster rate. Pain treatment at a pain treatment facility may be helpful for those suffering from the pain caused by JRA or other pain types.

Types of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can occur as one of three types. These types are:

  1. Pauciarticular – This type of JRA occurs when only one to four joints in the body are affected. Bigger joints of the body are typically those affected by this type of arthritis. Inflammation in the eyes is common among those with pauciarticular juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the most common form of JRA.
  2. Polyarticular – Polyarticular JRA takes place among more than four joints. A variety of different joints, both big and small may be affected by this type of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Another common feature associated with this type of arthritis is that it is most often symmetrical. This condition most often occurs in females.
  3. Systemic – When systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis occurs, a variety of symptoms occur in the body. While many different joints are affected, a fever, liver complications, a rash, and other problems around the body can also take place.

20 Symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

A variety of symptoms take place among those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These complications differ according to the type of JRA and may also depend on how long a person has experienced symptoms. The top 20 symptoms of JRA include:

  1. Morning stiffness
  2. Fever
  3. Inflammation of parts of the eye
  4. Deformities in the joints
  5. Redness
  6. Swollen lymph nodes
  7. Anemia
  8. Decreased growth
  9. Poor vision
  10. Swelling
  11. Aching in the jaw
  12. Complications of the organs
  13. Rash
  14. Light sensitivity
  15. Feeling of heat in the joints
  16. Pain
  17. Presence of a limp
  18. Depression
  19. Weight loss
  20. Myalgia (pain in the muscles)

No one knows for sure the exact cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. We do however realize that this condition is an autoimmune disease. An autoimmune disease means that the body’s white blood cells no longer recognize the difference between healthy and harmful substances. When this occurs, these white blood cells will destroy healthy tissues and cells of the body. This most often causes pain and inflammation in parts of the body.

JRA is not a contagious disorder. It may however be more likely to occur in a person with specific genes. Whichever form of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis you may have, it is always beneficial to seek the help of a pain treatment facility. Pain treatment centers provide specialized therapy sessions and offer unique ways of coping with pain.

Disclaimer


This blog is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for medical advice. We understand that everyone’s situation is unique, and this content is to provide an overall understanding of substance use disorders. These disorders are very complex, and this post does not take into account the unique circumstances for every individual. For specific questions about your health needs or that of a loved one, seek the help of a healthcare professional.