Arthritis (joint inflammation) arising in children under the age of 16 years is referred to as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, in some cases, limits itself after running a short course while in others, it may become chronic. Homeopathic medicines for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis work by halting further progression of the disease by moderating an overactive immune system. 

CAUSE OF JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The cause of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is still not clear. It is considered a disease of autoimmune origin. Normally, the immune cells of the body get activated when the body is invaded by foreign substances such as bacteria and virus. The immune cells fight these external forces to exclude the infection.  In autoimmune diseases, the immune cells start destroying the healthy body tissue from a misdirected response that makes them see these tissue as foreign and harmful. In juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, the immune cells start destroying the synovium of joint. What triggers this response is not clear, but genetic and environmental factors are said to play an important role.

SYMPTOMS OF JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

The most common signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are:

• While your child might not complain of joint pain, you may notice that he or she limps — especially first thing in the morning or after a nap.
• Joint swelling is common but is often first noticed in larger joints such as the knee.
• You might notice that your child appears clumsier than usual, particularly in the morning or after naps.
• Fever, swollen lymph nodes and rash.In some cases, high fever, swollen lymph nodes or a rash on the trunk may occur — which is usually worse in the evenings.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can affect one joint or many. There are several different subtypes of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but the main ones are systemic, oligoarticular and polyarticular. Which type your child has depends on symptoms, the number of joints affected, and if a fever and rashes are prominent features.

COMPLICATIONS RELATED TO JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

There are several complications related to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The first among these are eye complaints. A major eye complaint is an inflammation in the front of the eye, known as uveitis. If not treated in time, this could lead to permanent eye damage, even blindness. Overall body growth and bone development also get disturbed. Joint contractures are another complication related to juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The child with arthritis will position the affected joint in the most comfortable place, which is usually bent, and avoid its movement. This causes shortening of the muscles and tendons which eventually leads to joint contractures. Joint deformities, muscle loss, muscle weakness, and osteoporosis are other problems related to the onset of arthritis in children.

HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES FOR JUVENILE RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Homeopathy shows the most promising results in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis cases. These medicines are natural and therefore, safe from any adverse side effects and can be given to young children. They help relieve symptoms of pain, swelling and joint stiffness in a most effective manner. The ideal medicine is selected based on the symptom presentation in each case. This follows an in-depth discussion, study, and analysis of symptoms. Some prominently indicated medicines for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are described below. Rhus Tox, Abrotanum, Bryonia Alba, Colchicum Autumnale, Pulsatilla Nigricans, Ledum Palustre, Causticum, and Guaiacum Officinale are the top remedies.

1. Rhus Tox – For very Stiff Joints

Rhus Tox is one of the top grade medicines for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Rhus Tox especially works wonders where joint stiffness is marked. The child who needs Rhus Tox has stiff joints that are worse during the morning. In fact, the child has great difficulty even walking in the mornings. Joint stiffness which gets worse with rest is also a sign Rhus Tox will work. Along with stiffness, pain and swelling in the joints are present. The child may get relief from warm applications and massaging the joint. Walking will also make him feel better. Rhus Tox is also useful for joint pains that get worse in cold weather.

2. Abrotanum – For Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis with Severe Pain

Abrotanum is a well-indicated medicine for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis where joints are intensely painful without swelling. The child is unable to move the limbs from pain. Lameness from joint pain is also well marked. Emaciation of lower limbs may also be present. Rheumatism from suddenly checked diarrhea is another characteristic feature that will decide in favor of prescribing Abrotanum.

3. Bryonia Alba – For Excessive Swelling of Joints

Bryonia Alba is an effective medicine for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Bryonia Alba is the best prescription for cases where joints are highly swollen. There is marked inflammation of the joints and the joints are hot and extremely painful. Slight movement of affected joint worsens the symptoms. The child feels better by resting in a still position. In some cases, pressure worsens joint pain.

4. Colchicum Autumnale – Where Slightest Touch Worsens Joint Pains

Colchicum Autumnale is suitable for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis where the slightest touch worsens joint pain. The child who needs Colchicum Autumnale screams in pain when the affected joint is touched. The joints mainly involved include those of fingers, toes, wrist, and ankle. These joints are stiff, hot, painful and swollen. Joint pain that worsens at night is another sign that Colchicum Autumnale will be the most effective among medicines for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with these symptoms.

5. Pulsatilla Nigricans – For Shifting Joint Pains

Pulsatilla Nigricans is among the greatest medicines for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis with shifting joint pains. The pain appears in one joint and rapidly shifts to another. Any joint may be involved, but arthritis affects mainly the hip, knees, and feet joint. The affected joints are red, swollen and inflamed. Rheumatism that gets triggered from getting wet is also a major deciding factor in favor of Pulsatilla Nigricans as the best choice among Homeopathic medicines for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

6. Ledum Palustre – For Arthritis that begins in Lower Limbs and Ascends Upwards

Ledum Palustre is an excellent choice among medicines for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis that starts in the lower limbs and then, ascends upwards. The affected joints are painful, especially at night. Warm applications on joint worsen pain. Cold applications bring some relief. Swelling and pain in knees, feet, and ankles that worsens with movement are a sure sign that medicine Ledum Palustre will work. Simultaneous pain in the left shoulder and right hip joint are also very well treated with Ledum Palustre.

7. Causticum and Guaiacum Officinale – For  Arthritis in Advanced Stage

Causticum and Guaiacum Officinale are significant medicines for treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis in its advanced stage with contractures and joint deformity. These medicines majorly help in managing the pain and excessive stiffness of joints. Though these medicines may not help to revert the contractures and deformity that have already occurred, they offer help in halting further progression of the disease.