Juvenile Arthritis Also called: Childhood arthritis, JRA, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Still’s disease Summary Juvenile arthritis (JA) is arthritis that happens in children. It causes joint swelling, pain, stiffness, and loss of motion. It can affect any joint, but is more common in the knees, hands, and feet. In some cases it can affect internal organs as well. The most common type of JA that children get is juvenile idiopathic arthritis. There are several other forms of arthritis affecting children. One early sign of JA may be limping in the morning. Symptoms can come and go. Some children have just one or two flare-ups. Others have symptoms that never go away. JA can cause growth problems and eye inflammation in some children. No one knows exactly what causes JA. Most types are autoimmune disorders. This means that your immune system, which normally helps your body fight infection, attacks your body’s own tissues. JA can be hard to diagnose. Your health care provider may do a physical exam, lab tests, and x-rays. A team of providers usually treats JA. Medicines and physical therapy can help maintain movement and reduce swelling and pain. They may also help prevent and treat complications. NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Diagnosis and Tests Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) American College of Rheumatology Joint Aspiration (Arthrocentesis) Nemours Foundation Rheumatoid Factor American Association for Clinical Chemistry Find an Expert Arthritis Foundation Arthritis Foundation Find a Rheumatologist American College of Rheumatology National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Arthritis, Juvenile National Institutes of Health Genetics Genetics Home Reference: juvenile idiopathic arthritis National Library of Medicine Treatments and Therapies How Is It Treated? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Treatment Plan Adherence for Your Child With JA Arthritis Foundation Start Here Juvenile Arthritis American College of Rheumatology Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Nemours Foundation What Is Juvenile Arthritis? National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Teenagers Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Nemours Foundation Array Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis Specifics Juvenile Spondyloarthritis: An Overview Spondylitis Association of America Journal Articles Juvenile Arthritis Related Issues What Is a Pediatric Rheumatologist? American Academy of Pediatrics What People with Rheumatoid Arthritis Need to Know about Osteoporosis National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
