If there is a problem of joint pain in children, then do not ignore it. Because there can be many reasons for joint pain, which can also include fractures of bones, missing injury, and juvenile arthritis. Bone development in children is basically the development of the framework and basic foundation. It is important to ensure that every parent takes care of their child when it comes to bone development. Doctors advise that if children complain of joint pain continuously, then do not ignore their pain and get them treated in time. If children have a problem with joint pain, then it is generally taken as an excuse. Parents also need to take their child's joint pain seriously.

According to WHO, 47 million children suffer from delayed bone development as of 2015. By 2030 the number of affected will rise to 75 million and by 2050 it will be 132 million. GlobalData estimates 16 countries where 6% of all are less than 10 years old and above the bone and joint problems. India features in this. At least 4 million Indian children suffer some form of bone developmental issues 

We at Medicircle are aiming to draw awareness on the symptoms and treatments available for delayed bone developmental issues and diseases.

Dr. Chintan Doshi is an expert Orthopaedic Surgeon practicing in Mumbai. He is a Consultant Orthopedic surgeon practicing Trauma, Deformity corrections, Paediatric Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine. He has strong professional and educational background with graduation and post-graduation from Mumbai and a fellowship from Maharashtra University of Health Sciences. He has multiple foreign fellowship training from National University Hospital, Singapore, and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, the USA in Paediatric Orthopaedics and Adolescent Sports Medicine.

Arthritis in children

Dr. Chintan Doshi informs,” Adults have rheumatoid and degenerative arthritis. Arthritis in children has different age groups and locations. From 8 - 13 years of age, there is juvenile arthritis which may involve one joint called articular or multiple joints called polyarticular arthritis. 

Arthritis means inflammation of joints which leads to pain and swelling. The types of arthritis are seen as -

Infective arthritis is seen in newborns which needs immediate attention to prevent infection. This should be treated at the right age so that it does not become disastrous in adulthood. Arthritis must be properly diagnosed and treated in the correct age groups. 

Delayed developmental issues in children

Dr. Chintan Doshi informs,” There are many milestones in children during their developmental age like- 

Head holding  Balancing  Crawling over Sitting with support without support  Standing with support without support  Walking  Playing  Sports 

These milestones are delayed in children when they do not fall in the normal range. There could be multiple reasons for the delayed development 

Premature child Delayed brain development  Oxygen supply gets affected  Weak bones  Vitamin Deficiency 

It is important to find the cause of delayed development and evaluate the case to treat it accordingly. 

Diet for bone development 

Dr. Chintan Doshi informs,” There is no importance of diet but a good wholesome diet can help. The growing skeleton with age in children must be given importance and needs a balanced diet. A balanced diet should include -

Milk products that contain natural calcium  Ragi and nachni  Proteins  Green leafy vegetables  Wholesome diet  Physical activity  Sports activities for improvement of muscle tone  Avoid inactivity especially due to pandemics Diet  Healthy lifestyle 

If you have anyone in your family or neighborhood suffering from bone and joint problems, approach the doctor and get treated with the right protocol.”

Supplementation of Vitamin D 

Dr. Chintan Doshi informs,” The natural source of vitamin D is sunlight. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the body. It is not something to intake. It is produced in our body when the sunlight falls on the skin and gets synthesized into the skin. After synthesizing in the skin, it reaches the kidney and gets converted into another product, and becomes Vitamin D3. Vitamin D is a natural product that is produced in our bodies. 15 - 20 minutes of sunlight exposure is a must especially since the morning sun can help which does not cause skin problems. Allow the child for 15 - 20 mins during the day. Most of us have vitamin D deficiency. 6 - 7 out of 10 have vitamin D deficiency. A growing child needs vitamin D. There is no natural food product for vitamin D."

(Edited by Dr. Rati Parwani)