Page 7 - E-Book-Arthritis

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

“Idiopathic” is a medical term that describes a condition that has no known cause. Juvenile Idiopathic
Arthritis is most common in children aged between 6 months and 16 years old. Symptoms including pain
and stiffness can vary with no distinctive pattern. Symptoms can come and go throughout the day with no
clear pattern throughout the day. When the condition is more active it is often described as a “flare-up”.
As JIA is a chronic condition it can extend from months to years. The exact cause of JIA is yet unknown
however doctors and experts know that JIA happens due to a problem with a person’s immune system.
The body has difficulty distinguishing between its own functioning tissue and damaging germs.
Therefore, this causes the immune system to attack and damage the body’s own healthy and functioning
tissue which can lead to inflammation and “flare-up”.

Psoriatic arthritis

Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic arthritis that typically occurs in, but not limited to, those who suffer from
skin psoriasis. This is particularly common in those who have relatives with psoriasis. This particular
arthritis can affect any joint in the body and differs from person to person. PA may just affect one joint or
multiple joints at any one time. A common description for digits with PA are “swollen sausages”. Toe and
fingernails may also be affected. Even though this form of arthritis can lead to joint damage, available
treatments are effective for most. Ordinarily, PA occurs within the ages of 30 to 50 years but as always
this varies and it can affect those of a younger age. Approximately 15% of people who have since had a
diagnosis of psoriasis are likely to develop PA. On some occasions, the arthritic signs can appear before
the skin condition. Men and women are equally susceptible to PA. Although a specific cause isn’t known,
40% or people who suffer from PA have a family member with the same complaint, therefore, suggesting
heredity may play a role in the cause.

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