Osteoarthritis in Teens

Teens often complain of sore knees, elbows and other joints, and with all their running around, hard playing and sports, parents often chalk it up to too much activity. But osteoarthritis in teens is one of the most misdiagnosed ailments of all common chronic childhood illnesses according to the Arthritis Foundation. Often thought to be growing pains, the Foundation states that research now shows that this can be the onset of an inflammatory disease of the joints.

  1. Cause

    • Teen osteoarthritis is classified under juvenile arthritis. There are several different types of juvenile arthritis but MayoClinic.com calls osteoarthritis the most common form of all types of arthritis that affects the protective cartilage at the end of your teenager̵7;s bones. The Arthritis Foundation maintains there is no known cause at present, though researchers do know that it is not the result of toxins, allergies or foods. However, there are some studies that indicate genetics, when combined with other factors, may play a role.

    Signs and Symptoms

    • Osteoarthritis often starts as an injury or an infection to the joint, according to the Wexner Medical Center of Ohio State University. Osteoarthritis, an autoimmune disease, causes the body to perceive its own cells as a threat and begins attacking the slippery cartilage tissue. As the cartilage deteriorates, the bones rub together causing swelling and pain in the joint. If you notice your teen favoring a knee or elbow, or if it looks swollen or she complains of discomfort, a doctor's visit may be in order. Another sign is your avid sports player opting out of one too many games, moving with an award gait or with slow cautious movements.

    Diagnosis

    • Over 300,000 children, including teens, have arthritis. To diagnose osteoarthritis, your doctor will do a physical exam of the affected joint. She will take a look at the joint̵7;s range of movement, tenderness, swelling and redness. Your teen may even be referred to a specialist called a pediatric rheumatologist. Do not be alarmed if the specialist checks all of your child̵7;s joints, not just the affected one. Blood work, X-rays and an MRI are some of the tests that might be ordered. The doctor will also do a complete medical history to determine any underlying causes.

    Treatment

    • Although there is no cure for osteoarthritis, there are treatment options. The goal of treatment is to improve your teen̵7;s quality of life, reduce inflammation and manage pain. A drug treatment plan will be put into place to help control pain and inflammation and make joint movement easier. Occupational and physical therapists may also be involved to help maintain full range of movement of the joints.

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