Kids Get Arthritis Too: Awareness Month

September is Arthritis Awareness Month in Canada, emphasizing that arthritis can affect individuals of all ages, not solely older adults. Riley Ostrowski, diagnosed with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at seven years old, experienced joint pain, fevers, and fatigue.

His mother noted the difficulty in recognizing arthritis in children, as they often adapt to pain. Early diagnosis, as in Riley's case, allowed for prompt treatment with medication, leading to remission and a return to activities like baseball.

Pediatric rheumatologist Dr. Marinka Twilt explains that JIA is an autoimmune disease with unknown causes, likely a mix of genetic and environmental factors. Approximately one in 1,000 children are affected, with symptoms sometimes masked by a child's adaptation to discomfort.

Canadian charity Cassie + Friends supports around 25,000 children with juvenile arthritis and similar conditions, aiming to raise awareness and provide resources. They emphasize that "kids get arthritis too" and highlight the challenges in consistent treatment access across the country.

Arthritis Society Canada points to a significant economic burden, estimating $5.1 billion annually in Alberta alone due to medical expenses and lost productivity. This disease is the leading cause of disability in Canada, impacting quality of life and independence.