Can Young Adults and Children Be Affected by Arthritis?

Arthritis, commonly associated with the elderly, surprisingly affects a significant number of younger individuals. About 1 in 4 Americans are diagnosed with this condition, with osteoarthritis (OA), caused by wear and tear on the joints, being the most prevalent form. While arthritis is relatively rare in young adults and children, it isn’t unheard of. In fact, only 7% of diagnosed arthritis cases begin between the ages of 18 and 44. Early-onset arthritis can sometimes even affect very young children.

All forms of juvenile arthritis fall under the early-onset category. Such conditions are typically autoimmune in nature, contrasting with OA’s wear and tear causes. A noteworthy mention is a rare condition that affects approximately 300,000 children under the age of 16 in the United States. Young individuals can also develop osteoarthritis, the arthritis type closely linked with aging joints. In children and teenagers, this arthritis variant can result from joint injuries, leading to inflammation, pain, and damage to the cartilage.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) usually manifests in middle age but isn’t exclusive to this age group. Young adults are susceptible too, with as many as 8 in 100,000 people aged between 18 to 34 contracting RA. It’s worth noting that RA might present more severe symptoms in younger patients.

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), another variant of the disease, is less frequent in youngsters compared to adults. However, a significant number of teenagers still suffer from it. Arthritis results in the swelling and irritation of the synovial membrane that lines the joints, such as the knees or knuckles. The inflammation leads to the production of fluid in these joints.

Childhood arthritis, also termed juvenile arthritis, can inflict lasting physical damage to the joints. Such impairment can hinder a child’s ability to perform routine tasks. The most common type is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. An alarming revelation is that arthritis is more prevalent among children and teenagers who have anxiety, depression, or heart conditions. It’s also more common among Black children and those from households with food insecurities.

To gain a deeper understanding of this topic, consider exploring these resources: Medical News Today, Verywell Health, Children’s Health, WebMD, KidsHealth, CDC, and Arthritis Foundation.