Did you know that nearly 300,000 children and teens in the U.S. suffer from some form of arthritis? At Feet First Foot Care Specialists we want to bring this to the attention of our Middlesex County patients and share some information about this disease. Juvenile arthritis (JA) is an umbrella term that refers to inflammatory and rheumatic diseases. Unlike arthritis in adults, which is most commonly caused by wear and tear on the joints, juvenile arthritis is most often an autoimmune or autoinflammatory condition. What exactly causes JA is still unknown at this point. Research seems to indicate certain genes that are activated by a virus, bacteria, or other external factors may be responsible.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms most traditionally associated with arthritis—joint pain and stiffness—are also a sign of JA. If your child experiences any joint discomfort, or you notice redness or feelings of heat surrounding a joint in the foot or ankle, it’s important that you make an appointment with our Cromwell office by calling (860) 632-5499 as soon as possible.

Our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, will conduct a complete physical examination of your child’s feet and ankles and also get a medical history. He may also ask if your child has had any other symptoms that can be associated with JA, including:

  • Skin changes and rashes
  • Eye discomfort—redness, dryness, sensitivity to light and vision changes
  • Digestive problems
  • Feeling tired or rundown
  • Loss of appetite
  • High fever
  • Shortness of breath

The foot doctor may refer you to a rheumatologist if he suspects a possibility of JA. Fortunately, with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, it is possible to achieve remission. JA treatment plans may include a combination of medication, physical activity, healthy eating, and complementary therapies.

To learn more, go to https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/juvenile-arthritis.

If you have additional questions about podiatric symptoms your child is experiencing, contact us today. 

Questions or Comments?

We encourage you to contact us whenever you have an interest or concern about our services.

Call Today (860) 632-5499

162 West St Ste K Cromwell, CT 06416