Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis (JA) is the most common form of arthritis in children. It may be a mild condition that causes few problems over time, but it can be much more persistent and cause joint and tissue damage in other children. JA can produce serious complications in more severe cases.

Arthritis is best described by four major changes in the joints that may develop. The most common features of JA are: joint inflammation, joint contracture (stiff, bent joint), joint damage and/or alteration or change in growth. Other symptoms include joint stiffness following rest or decreased activity level (also referred to morning stiffness or gelling), and weakness in muscles and other soft tissues around involved joints. However, because JA affects each child differently, your child may not experience all of these changes. Children also vary in the degree to which they are affected by any particular symptom. The signs and symptoms of JA vary from child to child, and even from day to day in the same child! This is an important fact for parents, caretakers and teachers (especially gym teachers) to keep in mind when working with children who have JA.

There is no single test to diagnose JA. The diagnosis is made when there has been persistent arthritis in one or more joints for at least 6 weeks after other possible illnesses have been ruled out. Sometimes, a variety of tests may be necessary to come to a firm diagnosis. Once your child's physician suspects or makes this diagnosis, your child may be referred to a pediatric rheumatologist. This is a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of children with arthritis and arthritis-related conditions. The type of arthritis is usually determined based on the symptoms your child has had during the first 6 months of the illness. The 3 major types of JA are: pauciarticular which affects 4 or fewer joints; polyarticular JA which affects 5 or more joints; and systemic onset JA which affects at least one joint but causes inflammation of internal organs as well.