www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com Open in urlscan Pro
151.139.128.11 Public Scan

Back to summary

URL:
https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/cerebral-palsy/associated-disorders/arthritis/
Submission: On February 24 via manual (February 24th 2022, 8:22:22 pm UTC) from US — Scanned from DE

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM

GET https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/

<form class="search-form" method="get" action="https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/" role="search"><label class="search-form-label screen-reader-text" for="searchform-1">Search this website</label><input class="search-form-input" type="search"
    name="s" id="searchform-1" placeholder="Search this website"><input class="search-form-submit" type="submit" value="Search">
  <meta content="https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/?s={s}">
</form>

Text Content

* Skip to primary navigation
* Skip to main content
* Skip to primary sidebar
* Skip to footer

Cerebral Palsy Guidance

Answers and Assistance

Nationwide Legal Assistance866-579-8495Legal HelpMenu
Search this website

* Cerebral Palsy
* Types
* Symptoms
* Diagnosis
* Prognosis
* Causes
* Associated Disorders
* Gross Motor Classification System
* Treatment
* Life Expectancy
* Myths
* Risk Factors
* Support Groups
* Research
* United Cerebral Palsy Association
* Birth Injury Overview
* Living With Cerebral Palsy
* Daily Communication
* Physical Fitness
* Toilet Training Tips
* Eating and Feeding Tips
* Wheelchairs and Scooters
* Walkers, Canes, and Standers
* Falling Issues
* Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC)
* Conductive Education
* Tips For Better Sleeping
* Traveling Tips
* Sports
* Bullying
* Inclusive Playgrounds
* Respite Care
* Transitioning to Adulthood
* Vocational Counseling
* College Guide
* Finding a Job
* Having Children
* Costs
* Financial Assistance
* Government Assistance
* Special Education Assistance
* Cerebral Palsy Lawyer
* Cerebral Palsy Lawsuit
* Our Blog
* About Us
* Contact Us

Home > Cerebral Palsy > Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders > Cerebral Palsy and
Arthritis
Last Updated: March 14, 2020

CEREBRAL PALSY AND ARTHRITIS

Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Gina Jansheski, M.D.
Fact Checked

This article has been fact checked by a Board Certified Pediatrician. Sources of
information for the article are listed at the bottom.

For any content issues please Contact Us.

Cerebral palsy is not a degenerative condition, but it can cause secondary
conditions, some of which do get worse with time. One of these is
osteoarthritis, the pain, and stiffness in joints that results from wear and
tear on the cartilage over time. Children with cerebral palsy can have
increasing difficulty when they suffer from osteoarthritis because it can be
painful and limiting.

Both preventing and treating arthritis are essential for helping children and
adults with cerebral palsy have a better quality of life. Treatment to correct
musculoskeletal abnormalities can minimize damage to the joints, while good pain
management, and in some cases surgery, can treat arthritis and its symptoms
after its onset.

WHAT IS ARTHRITIS?

Arthritis is a common joint disease that has many forms and can affect a wide
range of people. There are, in fact, more than 100 types of arthritis.

In general, the term arthritis refers to inflammation and pain in the joints,
which causes swelling, pain, stiffness, redness, and difficulty moving the
joint. [1]
What Is Arthritis? (n.d.). Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments |
Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice.
Retrieved from:
https://arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis
It can affect any joint in the body, including the knuckles, elbows, shoulders,
hips, and knees.

The most common type of arthritis, and the type that most often affects people
with cerebral palsy, is osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative arthritis.
This is more frequently seen in older adults because it is caused by
deterioration in the joint cartilage with time and overuse of joints.

The cartilage is what provides cushioning within the joint, so when that wears
down, the result is pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Risk factors for the development of arthritis include a family history of
arthritis, being older, being overweight, having injured a joint, and having a
condition that causes unusual or excessive wear on joints, like cerebral palsy.
The symptoms of arthritis are generally chronic and progressive, and treatment
is needed to relieve the pain and swelling and to improve movement in the
joints.

HOW DOES CEREBRAL PALSY CAUSE ARTHRITIS?

Having cerebral palsy is a risk factor for osteoarthritis, but the degree of
risk, which joints are affected, and age of onset all vary by individual. As
children with CP age and enter adulthood, the risk of developing arthritis
heightens, according to a study published by the U.S. National Institutes of
Health. [2]
Emerging Issues in Cerebral Palsy Associated With Aging: A Physiatrist
Perspective. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). National Institutes of Health.
Retrieved from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637058/#b39-arm-2019-43-3-241

People with cerebral palsy have different degrees of abnormalities of the
neuromuscular system, and these abnormalities may cause unusual movements in the
joints, overuse of joints, excessive wear on joint cartilage, and compression of
the joints that ultimately lead to osteoarthritis.

Arthritis often begins earlier in someone with cerebral palsy than in the
general population, and it is sometimes even seen in children.

The joint or joints affected depend on the type of disability that a person with
cerebral palsy has. For instance, a child who struggles to walk, having a gait
that makes the hips or knees move in an abnormal way can lead to arthritis in
those joints.

Hip arthritis is fairly common for this reason in people with cerebral palsy.
Even joints not involved in walking can be affected. Muscle imbalance across a
joint is common in cerebral palsy. This can cause unusual movements of a
shoulder or elbow joint that leads to premature wear on the cartilage.

SYMPTOMS AND SIGNS OF ARTHRITIS

While many people with cerebral palsy will not experience arthritis until they
become adults, it is possible to develop it as children. Parents should be aware
of the signs of arthritis because earlier intervention will produce better
outcomes. The symptoms of osteoarthritis in any joint include:

* Pain that occurs during or after movement in the joint
* Stiffness in the joint, often after sleeping or a long period of little
movement [3]
Arthritis: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (2019, February 21). Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm
* Tenderness when the joint is touched
* Inability to move or flex the joint through a full range
* A feeling of grating inside a joint when it is moved
* Hard lumps that can be felt under the skin around a joint

TREATMENT FOR ARTHRITIS

The treatment of arthritis in people of any age with cerebral palsy depends on
the individual, but there are some typical treatments that are used for many.

The least invasive types of treatment don’t really treat the inflammation but do
help with pain and mobility. These include painkillers, such as over-the-counter
acetaminophen, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. [4]
Juvenile ArthritisTypes and Treatments OrthoInfoAAOS. American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.).
Retrieved from:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/juvenile-arthritis/

Treatment can also include physical therapy and gentle exercises that help to
strengthen specific muscles and make moving a joint easier and less painful.

When arthritis becomes more severe or debilitating, and these non-invasive
treatments provide little relief, more invasive strategies can be used, such as
surgery. It is sometimes possible for a problem causing the abnormal movements
or overuse of the joint to be improved with surgery. This is highly variable by
the individual.

For advanced cases of arthritis in a joint, a replacement of the entire joint
with an artificial one may relieve pain and restore mobility. Hip replacement
surgery has been found to be a safe way to treat adults with cerebral palsy who
suffer from severe osteoarthritis in the hip joint.

PREVENTION OF ARTHRITIS

Many people with cerebral palsy will develop some form of arthritis, and
preventing it completely may not be possible. However, there are ways to prevent
it to some degree, delay its onset, or minimize the damage and symptoms.

The critical step is to diagnose and begin treatment for cerebral palsy early in
childhood. The more comprehensive and consistent treatment a child gets, the
better the chances of reducing joint damage over time.

Any early and ongoing treatment that can help children and adults with cerebral
palsy move in healthier ways will minimize the development of arthritis. This
may mean surgery to correct bone or joint deformities, physical therapy and
exercise to develop muscle strength and balance around joints, and the use of
mobility aids.

Also helpful is occupational therapy to promote the performance of daily tasks
in a manner best for the joints. Lifestyle habits can also minimize and prevent
arthritis. Maintaining a healthy weight, for instance, can take the pressure off
of the joints.

Arthritis is a painful condition and one that most people don’t expect to
experience until they are elderly. Unfortunately for people with cerebral palsy,
the deterioration of joints that causes osteoarthritis begins early in life and
is more significant than for other people.

With good overall treatment, watching for early signs of arthritis, and treating
pain and other symptoms, a young person with arthritis can continue to enjoy
life with improved mobility and minimal pain.

LIFELONG FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CHILD'S BIRTH INJURYCEREBRAL PALSY

Get Help Now

REFERENCES

1. What Is Arthritis? (n.d.). Arthritis Foundation | Symptoms Treatments |
Prevention Tips | Pain Relief Advice.
Retrieved from:
https://arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/understanding-arthritis/what-is-arthritis
2. Emerging Issues in Cerebral Palsy Associated With Aging: A Physiatrist
Perspective. (n.d.). PubMed Central (PMC). National Institutes of Health.
Retrieved from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6637058/#b39-arm-2019-43-3-241
3. Arthritis: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). (2019, February 21). Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention.
Retrieved from: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/faqs.htm
4. Juvenile ArthritisTypes and Treatments OrthoInfoAAOS. American Academy of
Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.).
Retrieved from:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/juvenile-arthritis/

View All References

PAGE MEDICALLY REVIEWED AND EDITED BY GINA JANSHESKI, M.D.

Gina Jansheski, M.D. is a Board Certified Pediatrician and a Fellow of the
American Academy of Pediatrics. She has been a practicing pediatrician for over
20 years, working primarily with hospitalized patients and children with special
needs.

See Full Bio

SECONDARY SIDEBAR

LIFELONG FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR YOUR CHILD'S BIRTH INJURYCEREBRAL PALSY

Get Help Now
Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy in Newborns Cerebral Palsy in Toddlers Severe
Cerebral Palsy Types of Cerebral Palsy Ataxic Atonic (Hypotonic) Dyskinetic
Athetoid Dystonic Hypertonic Mixed Non-Spastic Spastic Spastic Diplegia Spastic
Hemiplegia Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy Symptoms How Cerebral Palsy
Affects the Brain and Body Parts Cerebral Palsy Causes Birth Asphyxia Prolonged
Labor Delayed C-Section Forceps Delivery Injuries Vacuum Extractor Injuries
Nuchal Cord Birth Injuries Uterine Rupture and Birth Injury Hypoxic Ischemic
Encephalopathy (HIE) Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH) Failure to Diagnose
Chorioamnionitis Improper NICU Care Traumatic Brain Injury Meconium Aspiration
Syndrome Hydrocephalus Pitocin Errors Anesthesia Errors Infertility Drugs
Cerebral Dysgenesis and Cerebral Palsy Jaundice Periventricular Leukomalacia
(PVL) Placental Problems Epidural Hematoma Perinatal Stroke Acquired Brain
Injuries and Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Palsy Associated Disorders Mobility Issues
Pain Cognitive Issues Developmental Delays Cerebral Palsy and Post-Impairment
Syndrome Seizures Epilepsy Malnutrition Respiratory Health Hearing Problems
Vision Impairment Arthritis Depression Sleep Issues Dysphagia Oral Health Issues
Skin Conditions Digestive Issues and Health Emotional Issues Behavioral
Disorders Autism Down Syndrome ADHD Diabetes Cerebral Palsy Diagnosis Imaging
Tests Cerebral Palsy Prognosis Cerebral Palsy Gross Motor Classification System
Cerebral Palsy Treatment Cerebral Palsy Specialists Nutrition Therapy
Chiropractic Care Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Medications Seizure Medications
Anticonvulsants Muscle Relaxants Stem Cell Therapy Surgery Aquatic Therapy
Acupuncture Therapy Botox Treatment Hippotherapy Occupational Therapy Speech
Therapy Massage Therapy Physical Therapy Homeopathy Yoga Pilates Intensive Suit
Therapy Medical Marijuana Functional Electrical Stimulation Osteopathic
Manipulation Anat Baniel Method and NeuroMovement Pet Therapy Cerebral Palsy
Cure Cerebral Palsy Life Expectancy Cerebral Palsy Risk Factors High-Risk
Pregnancy Risk Factor Causal Pathways Premature Birth Birth Complications
Post-term Pregnancy Intrauterine Growth Restriction Maternal and Fetal
Infections Blood Type Incompatibility Multiple Births Parental Habits and Health
Cerebral Palsy Support Groups Cerebral Palsy Research Cerebral Palsy History
Facts and Statistics Prevalence and Incidence Cerebral Palsy Myths Cerebral
Palsy Prevention United Cerebral Palsy Association Living With Cerebral Palsy
Costs Orthopedic Health Neurological Health Daily Communication Physical Fitness
Abuse Toilet Training Tips Eating and Feeding Tips Wheelchairs and Scooters
Wheelchair-accessible Vans Walkers, Canes, and Standers Adaptive Bikes Assistive
Technology Falling Issues Home Modifications Augmentative and Alternative
Communication (AAC) Conductive Education Tips For Better Sleeping Traveling Tips
Sports Bullying Inclusive Playgrounds Respite Care Engaging in the Arts
Transitioning to Adulthood LGBT Vocational Counseling College Guide Teacher Tips
for Inclusive Classrooms Finding a Job Having Children Veterans Fostering or
Adopting a Child with CP Enjoying the Great Outdoors Emergency Preparedness
Financial Assistance Government Assistance Title V MCH Benefits Special
Education Assistance Cerebral Palsy Lawyer Alabama Alaska Arizona Phoenix
Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Bridgeport Delaware Florida
Jacksonville Georgia Atlanta Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky
Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Detroit Minnesota Minneapolis
Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada Las Vegas New Hampshire New Jersey
New Mexico Albuquerque New York North Carolina Charlotte North Dakota Ohio
Oklahoma Oregon Portland Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina Columbia South
Dakota Tennessee Texas Houston Utah Vermont Virginia Virginia Beach Washington
Seattle West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Medical Malpractice Claim for
Compensation Lawsuit Settlement Statute of Limitations Life Care Plan Goals
Evaluation Diagnosis Care Team Record Keeping and Documents Birth Injury
Treatment Causes Failure to Monitor Symptoms Prognosis Lawyer Settlement Lawsuit
Claim for Compensation Infant Skull Fracture Treatment Symptoms Causes Prognosis
Lawyer Settlement Lawsuit Claim for Compensation Infant Brain Damage Prognosis
Symptoms Causes Treatment Lawyer Lawsuit Claim for Compensation Settlement
Infant Wrongful Death Causes Claim for Compensation Lawyer Settlement Lawsuit
Erb’s Palsy Symptoms Prognosis Treatment Causes Lawyer Settlement Lawsuit Claim
for Compensation Brachial Plexus Injury Causes Prognosis Symptoms Treatment
Lawyer Lawsuit Settlement Claim for Compensation Klumpke’s Palsy Lawyer Lawsuit

The information provided by CerebralPalsyGuidance.com is not a substitute for
professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

* Cerebral Palsy
* Living With Cerebral Palsy
* Financial Assistance
* Our Blog
* About Us
* Contact Us

210 W. Division St. Syracuse, NY 13204

We provide nationwide assistance

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
Learn About Our Editorial Guidelines

Chat
_ ◻↗✕

Please Wait, We are loading your Chat

live chat
Hi, we are here to help if you have medical malpractice questions.

www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com Open in urlscan Pro 151.139.128.11 Public Scan

Form analysis 1 forms found in the DOM

GET https://www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com/

Text Content

www.cerebralpalsyguidance.com Open in urlscan Pro
151.139.128.11 Public Scan

Form analysis
1 forms found in the DOM