Arthritis has so long been called an “illness of the old,” characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and immobility. But look at the truth of it all. Arthritis sometimes waits adolescence to attack-a child could suffer from it. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is fast growing in seriousness among young ones. An estimated 1.3 million children in India may be living with JIA, a staggering number that shatters the so-called myth of arthritis being an “old-age disease.” Left untreated and without any awareness, this condition can silently put a child at risk, affecting not only their physical growth but also their mental well-being and quality of life.
(Source: Indian Journal of Rheumatology, cited in Deccan Chronicle (2022): “Arthritis striking early, even children at risk”)
Grasping the Concept of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Of all the arthritis types affecting children under 16, JIA is the most common. “Idiopathic” just means there is no exact cause that is known. What makes JIA different is that it may go on for months, years, or even a lifetime.
Sometimes the symptoms set in mildly and are even mistaken by some for growing pains, but they do tend to get worse as time passes. The following symptoms may be found:
- Persistent joint pain and stiffness
- Swelling of knees, hands, or ankles
- Fatigue or lowered energy level
- Morning stiffness that tends to lessen in the day
- Some fevers and occasional rash with systemic JIA
If left untreated, JIA may interfere with normal bone growth, cause eye issues (uveitis), and ultimately lead to catastrophic disabilities
Image credit: Free Pik
Why Are Children at Risk?
In contrast to adult arthritis inculcated by mostly lifestyle factors, juvenile arthritis is much more about immunity and genetic factors. Scientists suggest the immune system of an individual would attack its own joint tissues in JIA, causing inflammation.
Here are a few things that may potentially trigger the problem or act as risk factors:
Genetic Predisposition
A child with a family history of autoimmune disorders may potentially be at a higher risk. Certain genes are associated with faulty immune functionality, which could initiate onsets of JIA.
Autoimmune System Attack
Instead of working against infection, the immune system malfunctions and attacks the joint tissues of the body.
Environment
Viral or bacterial infections in the early years of life could be potential triggers for JIA in children genetically predisposed.
Gender Differences
JIA tends to be more common in girls than in boys, just like many autoimmune disorders.
The Impact of JIA
Juvenile arthritis is not just joint pain; it affects all facets of the child’s growth.
Physical Development: Swelling in joints can impair growth and cause asymmetry in limb development and hence can be disabling.
Activities of Daily Living: Kids may face some difficulty while attempting to walk, play, or even hold a pencil.
Mental Health: Ongoing pain and diminished social activities may trigger feelings of stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem.
Education: Frequent visits to the doctor and resultant fatigue may hinder school attendance as well as learning.
If left untreated, JIA can cause disabilities and affect one’s independence and quality of life well into adulthood.
Managing Juvenile Arthritis
Although JIA has no permanent cure, once diagnosed early enough and managed, the complications can be minimized so children can live happy lives. Management strategies include:
- Medical Treatment
Medicines, such as anti-inflammatory, disease-modifying or biologics, are usually prescribed by pediatric rheumatologists to limit immune system activity.
- Physical Therapy
The exercises and physiotherapy should be soft and gentle enough to keep the joints flexible and the muscles strong.
- Healthy Diet
Basically, anti-inflammatory foods, including lots of fruits, veggies, and whole grains that contain antioxidants, together with omega-three-rich foods, can provide overall immunity plus joint care.
- Regular Monitoring
Infrequent and irregular follow-ups sometimes allow the disease to progress and lead to eye inflammation or bone damage.
- Psychological Support
Counseling and support groups help the children and parents in facing the emotional side of JIA.
Preventive Measures: Can JIA Be Avoided?
In the case of JIA, prevention is impossible because it is autoimmune rather than lifestyle related. On the brighter side, with early diagnosis, the timely treatment of symptoms can prevent disability in the long run. Awareness needs to be spread so that caregivers and parents do not consider prolonged joint pain as “normal growing pains.
Zeon Lifesciences: Creating Innovations for Infant Joint Care
As the incidence of juvenile arthritis keeps increasing, one cannot stress enough the prevention and supportive care. Nutraceuticals have entered as one of the very important therapeutics for joint health, particularly in inflammation control, immunity enhancement, and mobility support.
Zeon Lifesciences, a premium contract manufacturer company of nutraceuticals, is leading the era of working on development-related innovations for joint health. Zeon specializes in research-backed vitamin formulations and advanced technology, marketed across the world, that basically provide joint health supplements for:
- Maintaining immune balance
- Natural inflammation reduction
- Enhancing bone and joint strength in children and young adults
By collaborating with healthcare brands across the globe, Zeon ensures that a huge population, including children at risk of JIA, gets the benefits of safe, effective, and scientifically supported nutraceutical assistance.
Conclusion
A serious yet often neglected disease, juvenile arthritis affects millions of children in India. Considered a malady of old age, arthritis now impacts India’s youngest souls, affecting their development, education, and future independence. With awareness, timely diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and innovative nutraceutical support, children with JIA can lead active lives full of fulfillment. Early identification followed by concerted efforts of parents, health care workers, and innovators such as Zeon Lifesciences would be key to securing the health of the next generation.
References:
Ians, & Ians. (2024, July 23). Health dialogues. Health Dialogues. https://health.medicaldialogues.in/health/experts-reveal-higher-prevalence-of-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis-in-girls-compared-to-boys-132091
Why juvenile arthritis in India remains overlooked? – BW Healthcare World. (n.d.). BW Health. https://www.bwhealthcareworld.com/article/why-juvenile-arthritis-in-india-remains-overlooked-566372
Kaushik, T., Kaushik, T., & Chronicle, D. (2022, November 8). Deccan Chronicle. Deccan Chronicle. https://www.deccanchronicle.com/lifestyle/health-and-wellbeing/081122/arthritis-striking-early-even-children-at-risk.html
Dutta, M. (2013, January 8). “Juvenile arthritis can be problematic if ignored.” The Times of India. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/juvenile-arthritis-can-be-problematic-if-ignored/articleshow/17934420.cms
“Good Health for All”
Zeon is serving with over three decades of experience in the industry, we are working meticulously to bring knowledge of nature with innovation and advanced technology in the form of unique combinations to our consumers. Our in-house formulae and manufactured products are for all age groups in various SKUs such as Powders, Diskettes, Tablets, Capsules, Oral liquids, Caplets, Sprays, Drops, Herbal Juices, etc.
WHY CHOOSE ZEON?
State-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Himachal Pradesh spread over 28000 sq yds 4 manufacturing units under integrated complex Serving quality products since 1987
GMP certified facility
NSF Registered
DSIR- recognized R&D Lab
NABL Accredited Quality testing
USFDA Registered
Great place to work certified
Food safety award from CII
1200+ formulations
800+ Active SKUs
30+ Recognitions
15+ Accreditations
Exclusive diskette manufacturing facility
Exclusive spray drying and dry blended powders manufacturing facility
