The most common joint disorder affecting people is arthritis. Generally, this disease targets adult, but it attacks children as well. Most of these types of arthritis can be treated. There are some, though, that are very difficult to diagnose. Still’s Disease is an example of that class of arthritis. Only through the process of elimination of other illnesses can this condition be diagnosed.

This disease was discovered by an English physician Sir George Frederic Still. Subsequently, the disease was named after him. This disease is characterized by transient rashes and spiking fever. Thought to be only plaguing children, this disease was found to be exhibited by adults, as well. This type is called Adult-Onset Still’s Disease. There are many theories suggesting as to the possible causes of this disease. Some suggest that this disease might be caused by a microbacterial infection, while others say that it is autoimmune. However, until now, the real cause is still unknown. Still, there many studies support the speculation that greatly suggest that this disease is caused by the autoimmune system.
Diagnosis for this type of arthritis is very difficult because it exhibits itself in a number of different ways. Only through the process of eliminating other diseases will the diagnosis of this disease be possible. Nevertheless, there are common benchmarks for this disease. These are the following: high fever, muscle pain, severe joint pain and damage, and skin rashes. Clinical tests must be done to make diagnosis certain. Blood tests with high white blood cell count suggest inflammation, while blood tests with low red blood cell suggests anemia. However, there is a new marker in determining affliction of Still’s Disease. It actually pertains to the measurement of glycosylated ferritin, which is a type of protein that, when found to be below 50% of the total, means that the disease is flaring up or is in remission.

The sufferer of Still’s Disease will exhibit high fever that can last for several months. The symptom of arthritis, however, will last for a long, unknown period of time. If the person affected is a child, the arthritis may be still present up until adulthood. Other symptoms, like rashes and high fever, may go into remission but, for certain, the arthritis will manifest itself again in his/her adult age. Knowing this fact, coupled with the reality that this disease’s cause is still unknown, would it not be better to stay in touch with your doctor always?