Juvenile Arthritis

Overview

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is chronic arthritis that begins before age sixteen and can affect one joint or many. It's one of the more common chronic conditions in children, most often involving fewer than five joints and appearing somewhat more frequently in girls, though it takes several different forms with different patterns of joints, fevers, rashes, or eye inflammation involved. It generally isn't inherited, and with treatment many children with juvenile arthritis are able to go to school and stay active like their peers.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• Which type of juvenile arthritis does my child have, and how many joints are involved?
• Does this type put my child at higher risk for eye inflammation, and how often should we see an ophthalmologist?
• What treatment are you starting with, and would a biologic medication be appropriate if it isn't enough?
• How will physical or occupational therapy fit into my child's treatment plan?
• What accommodations should we request at school to help my child manage flares and joint pain?

Getting Care

A pediatric rheumatologist should lead the diagnosis and treatment of juvenile arthritis, since the specific type shapes which medications and monitoring, like eye exams, are needed. Seek care sooner if your child develops a high fever with a rash that comes and goes, or sudden, severe joint swelling, since these need prompt evaluation.

Source: https://rheumatology.org/patients/juvenile-arthritis