Young and in pain
Learn the signs and symptoms of childhood arthritis
More than 25,000 Canadian children suffer from arthritis. Joints may become red, swollen or hot to the touch, and there may be accompanying stiffness, loss of mobility and sometimes pain. There are several major types of childhood arthritis and most are classified as idiopathic, meaning the cause is essentially unknown.
Because even experienced physicians can find it difficult to recognize the symptoms, it can take some time and several tests to rule out other causes, such as infections, injuries, allergic reactions or other autoimmune diseases, where the body’s immune system attacks normal body parts.
These tests often involve X-rays or MRIs and urine and blood tests that look for rheumatoid factors, blood cell abnormalities or different protein markers. Many of these types of arthritis are systemic in nature and can involve more than one joint or body part, such as the eyes, jaw or skin. Left untreated, joints can become damaged and deformed, sometimes requiring surgery.
Although there is no known cure, the goal is to reduce the symptoms of swelling, stiffness and pain. In many cases, with early diagnosis and treatment, the disease can go into a state of remission, where it appears not to be present at all. These periods of remission can last a long time or be a reprieve between flare-ups.
Treatment should focus on a varied approach that involves physiotherapy, occupational therapy, physical activity, proper orthotics or splints, as well as specialized medications as deemed necessary by a pediatric specialist. Exercises often focus on relieving pain and increasing range of motion, while strengthening and stretching muscles and bones. Heat is used for relieving spasms and tightness and improving motion, while cold reduces swelling and pain. Massage can also be effective.
There is a lot to be hopeful for in the world of childhood arthritis, and many children can live a full, healthy and happy life with the proper treatment and care.
The cost of care
Many of the prescription medications used for childhood arthritis belong to a class generally known as specialty or biologic medications. These often require refrigeration and self-injection in pen-style auto-injectors, and cost several hundred dollars per month. Fortunately, most are covered by either private or public insurance accepted by most pharmacies and/or have co-pay assistance or compassionate use programs attached to them that cover most of the costs after the doctor has filled out all the paperwork.—LV
Lawrence Varga, B.Sc.Phm., is assistant vice president of Costco Pharmacy.
Pharmacies in Costco’s Quebec locations are independently owned and operated by pharmacists.