An easy to use movement, flexibility and strength programme to help people cope better with arthritis. Inflammation is a reaction that can cause swelling, redness, pain and loss of motion. Arthritis is a term used to refer to more than 100 different conditions known as rheumatic diseases. These conditions affect the joints and the tissues surrounding the joints, such as muscles and tendons. Some of these diseases can affect other parts of the body as well, including the skin and internal organs.
Children get several types of rheumatic diseases.
None of these diseases are contagious. The major symptoms of all forms of arthritis in children are pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints. The disease can attack one or more joints, including those of the fingers, wrists, elbows, hips, knees and feet. Sometimes the disease can lead to permanent joint damage. Childhood arthritis can also interfere with growth, causing the child to be small for her age.