What is the most common cause of arthritis in children?
The most common cause of arthritis in children is termed “post-viral arthritis.” Typically, a child may have a mild upper respiratory infection or common cold and a week or two later develop one or more painful, swollen joints. The arthritis may last for a few days or even several weeks but passes without any permanent damage. Any virus can lead to an arthritis, but the most common causes are Parvovirus, the agent of Fifth’s Disease, and Epstein Barr Virus, the agent of infectious mononucleosis. Drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen help diminish the inflammation which causes the pain and swelling.
