Juvenile Arthritis | Symptoms & Causes
What are the symptoms of juvenile arthritis?
The signs and symptoms can vary, depending on what type of juvenile arthritis your child has.
Some of the most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis include swelling of a joint, along with stiffness and pain. Symptoms can involve the hands, feet, and knees, but any joint can be involved. Joint stiffness occurs primarily in the morning or after long periods of inactivity (gelling phenomenon). Other signs include:
- limping, especially in the morning
- clumsiness
- swelling in the lymph nodes
- high fever
- skin rash
Symptoms may get better or disappear completely for periods of time (remission), and then flare up at other times.
What are the causes of juvenile arthritis?
The cause of juvenile arthritis is unknown. As with most autoimmune diseases, individual cases of JIA are likely due to a combination of genetic factors, environmental exposures, and the child’s immune system.
Juvenile Arthritis | Diagnosis & Treatments
How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?
There is no one test for juvenile arthritis. It is diagnosed based on symptoms and a physical exam. In some cases, the doctor may also order tests, such as blood tests, x-rays, or other imaging studies to confirm a diagnosis.
What are the treatment options for juvenile arthritis?
There is no cure for juvenile arthritis. However, our goal in treating JIA is to relieve symptoms such as pain and swelling, and maximize your child’s quality of life. The specific treatment your child’s doctor recommends will be based on the type of arthritis your child has, as well as his or her specific symptoms.
Most treatment plans include some combination of medication and physical activity.
How we care for juvenile arthritis
At the Boston Children’s Hospital Rheumatology Program, our team of pediatric rheumatologists specializes in diagnosing and treating all types of inflammatory disorders, including juvenile arthritis. We are also recognized internationally for the evaluation of unique and undiagnosed rheumatologic conditions.
Paired with our clinical expertise is a commitment to ensure that our care is informed by the latest research, and we are dedicated to educating our patients and their families about their condition and its treatment.
