Arthritis: 


    And other rheumatic diseases are frequently associated with old age because
    osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, occurs more often among the
    elderly. Unfortunately, rheumatic diseases and arthritis can affect people of
    all ages. 

    Below
    is a list of some of the types of juvenile arthritis and rheumatic diseases
    along with a brief definition of the conditions. We soon will be adding more
    information about these conditions to Pain.com. 

    Rheumatoid
    Arthritis    : (JRA)

    JRA occurs in children ages 16 or younger. This condition
    causes inflammation and stiffness of the joints for more than six weeks. Unlike
    adult rheumatoid arthritis, which is chronic, children often experience periods
    of remission. However, the disease can affect bone development in the growing
    child.




    Rheumatoid Arthritis



    Ankylosing
    Spondylitis    : 


    (JAS) – JAS is a type of arthritis that affects the spine and the
    sites where the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are attached to the bone. The
    disease causes inflammation of the spine and large joints, resulting in
    stiffness and pain.



    ankylosing spondylitis



    Psoriatic
    Arthritis: 


    This form of arthritis is
    associated with psoriasis, which is a chronic skin and nail disease
    characterized by red, scaly rashes, and thick, pitted fingernails. The disease
    is similar to rheumatoid arthritis in that it involves joint inflammation;
    however, psoriatic arthritis affects fewer joints and does not produce the
    typical rheumatoid arthritis antibodies.


    Psoriatic Arthritis


    Systemic
    Lupus Erythematosus (SLE):      


    SLE is a
    disease that is characterized by periodic episodes of inflammation of and
    damage to the joints, tendons, other connective tissues, and organs, including
    the heart, lungs, blood vessels, brain, kidneys, and skin. Often just referred
    to as Lupus, it is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s immune system
    attacks its healthy cells and tissues.     





    Systemic Lupus Erythematosus



    Scleroderma: 


    There are two forms of scleroderma: localized scleroderma and systemic
    sclerosis. Localized scleroderma is seen more frequently in children than in the
    systemic form. It may involve patches of the skin on the trunk, arms, legs, or
    head. Systemic sclerosis is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects the
    joints, skin, and internal organs.




    scleroderma



    Rheumatic
    Fever: 


    Rheumatic fever is a delayed autoimmune reaction to the streptococcus
    bacteria. It can be prevented with the prompt diagnosis of strep throat and
    treatment with antibiotics. It is uncommon in the US, except in children who
    have had strep infections that were untreated or inadequately treated.
    Rheumatic fever is a complicated, disease that affects the joints, skin, heart,
    blood vessels, and brain.




    Rheumatic Fever



    Fibromyalgia: 


    Although fibromyalgia’s symptoms are similar
    to other joint diseases, such as arthritis, it is a form of soft tissue or
    muscular rheumatism that causes pain in the muscles and soft tissues. The
    actual joints are normal on physical examination.




    Fibromyalgia




    Source: American College of
    Rheumatology!