“When children complain, they really mean it”- Dr. Maame Boatemaa Amissah-Arthur Urges Parents to Pay Attention to Silent Pain
Nuffield Clinic’s Awareness and Support Campaign Shines Light on Juvenile Arthritis in Children
“Children tend to delay complaining, so when they finally do, they really mean it.”
That was the heartfelt message from Dr. Maame Boatemaa Amissah-Arthur, Consultant Physician Specialist and Rheumatologist at Nuffield Clinic, Assistant Vice President and Senior Lecturer at Accra College of Medicine, during a powerful webinar on 17th July 2025 under the Clinic’s Nuffield Health Convo series. The session, which focused on Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), aimed to raise awareness about a condition that is often missed or misunderstood, even by the most attentive parents.
Nuffield Clinic is a specialist Clinic for Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Physiotherapy located in Osu, Sunkwa Road, Accra.
The Unseen Struggles of Children with Arthritis
Juvenile arthritis is not something many associate with children. Yet, as Dr. Amissah-Arthur explained, it is a real and serious autoimmune disease that affects children as young as two. It causes chronic joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility, often for more than six weeks, and can result in permanent joint damage if not detected and treated early.
“Children may not be able to express their pain clearly,” she said. “They may limp, withdraw, or just seem tired. But these signs are often their way of saying something is wrong.”
Far too often, these signs are dismissed as clumsiness, laziness, or growing pains, a mistake that can delay diagnosis and treatment, and cost a child their full mobility and quality of life.
Beyond the Child: The Family Burden
Juvenile arthritis affects more than just the joints. It disrupts childhoods, schooling, emotional development, and social life. Families, too, face the strain, juggling hospital visits, expensive treatments, and the emotional toll of watching their child in pain.
BB, a 38-year-old woman living with JIA since her teens, shared her story during the session. “I thought I was just going through a phase. By the time I understood the seriousness of it, my knees were damaged. I wish I had known earlier.”
Her experience served as a powerful reminder of what’s at stake and why awareness is so important.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and the Power of Early Action
Dr. Amissah-Arthur emphasized that there’s no single test for juvenile arthritis. Diagnosis is made by combining physical examination, blood tests, and scans, often guided by a specialist’s clinical experience. But what matters most is early detection.
“The earlier we intervene, the better the outcome,” she stressed. “Delays lead to joint damage, disability, and emotional trauma that could have been prevented.”
While JIA has no cure, it is manageable. The treatment plan focuses on achieving remission through medication, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, emotional support, and proper nutrition.
She also encouraged parents to adopt an anti-inflammatory diet rich in vegetables, fruits, turmeric, and ginger and to limit processed foods, red meat, and excess sugar, which can worsen inflammation.
The Role of Parents and Caregivers
Caregivers, Dr. Amissah-Arthur emphasized, play an indispensable role. From ensuring children take their medications to supporting them emotionally and academically, parents are central to the healing journey.
“Treat your child normally, but be present and observant,” she advised. “Sometimes the child who seems tired or moody is actually in pain, they just don’t know how to say it.”
Community Outreach and Nuffield’s Commitment
Nuffield Clinic’s Health Convo series forms part of a broader commitment to public health education and early intervention, especially in areas like Orthopedics, Rheumatology, and Physiotherapy.
Though July is recognized globally as Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, Dr. Amissah-Arthur emphasized that the conversation must continue year-round. The clinic is actively inviting schools, churches, and youth-focused organizations to collaborate on educational talks and screenings.
If your child complains of joint pain, fatigue, or limps without an injury, don’t ignore it, reach out to Nuffield Clinic.
“When children complain, they really mean it, and it’s our job to listen- she said”
For school talks, screenings, or more information on juvenile arthritis:
📞 Call Nuffield Clinic: 0302229289/ 0503771983
🌐 Visit: www.nuffieldclinic.com
