Arthritis

It is not uncommon for children, just like adults, to get aches and pains in their joints. These can be caused by a number of things such as strenous exercise, stress and even cold. Provided there is no visible deterioration in the general health of the child, there should be no cause for concern. McTimoney treatment would ease these pains so the child could resume normal activities again. For a free consultation Tel 04 5653331.

Some of these aches, for which no cause can be found, used to called "growing pains". In fact, there is no evidence that any aspect of growing causes pain. Occasionally, aches and pains, in common with other symptoms, may be a manifestation of stresses at school or home. Children are sensitive beings and will pick up on any dis-harmonies, particularly between the parents/partners. Those with very supple joints may ache a bit if they have been exercising a great deal.

Viral illnesses such as German measles or chicken pox are sometimes accompanied bt a short-term of swelling of joints. Occasionally, bacteria can cause an infection of the bone or joint and will then need to be treated. (See your G.P) If one or other joints remain inflammed for several months, and no cause can be found, this is called chronic arthritis. This is rare in children. Only one in 1,000 school-aged children is affected.

A child with arthritis is a normal person who just happens to have a physical disability. There is no difference in either their intellectual potential or emotional reaction. Nevertheless, different children are affected to different degrees; their good and bad periods may vary unpredictably.

The Age of Arthritis

Sunday, Dec. 01, 2002
We're headed for an epidemic of joint disease. What you can do to protect yourself
By CHRISTINE GORMAN AND ALICE PARK

The first sign is often a twinge in your knee or your back or some stiffness at the base of your thumb. Or maybe you're getting out of the car and a sharp pain shoots down your leg from your hip to your calf. "Nothing serious," you think. "I must have just strained something. I'm too young to have arthritis."

Think again. If you are within even shouting distance of middle age, chances are you have osteoarthritis, a degenerative disorder in which the cartilagethe natural shock absorber that cushions the insides of your jointsbegins to break down.

Read the rest of the article about the Age of Arthritis here.