IMAGINE being told that your child has arthritis. You'd be in a state of utter shock and disbelief. You'd think. "Surely arthritis is a condition that only affects older people?"

In fact around 12,000 children and teenagers suffer from some form of arthritis which can cause immense pain, inflammation and stiffness in their joints and may lead to joint replacement surgery before the age of 20.

Fortunately, the outlook for these youngsters is much better than it was, and no longer automatically means life in a wheelchair.

Better drug treatments and a deeper understanding of the condition has led to a much improved quality of life for many children with arthritis.

This is largely due to the work being carried out by the UK's fourth largest medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign, which invests millions every year into improving the treatment and care of children with the condition.

Now the charity has produced a brand new booklet called 'When your child has arthritis', a comprehensive guide to what the condition is, how it is diagnosed and treated, and what the future holds for these youngsters.

To get hold of a free copy of the booklet ring us on 0870 8505000, email us at info@arc.org.uk or write to us at the address below.

BEV CHAPMAN

Arthritis Research Campaign

Chesterfield