Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects children ages 16 and younger. Juvenile arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and damage to the joints. There is no cure for juvenile arthritis, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.

Juvenile arthritis is the most common type of arthritis in children. It is estimated that there are about 300,000 children in the United States that have juvenile arthritis. Juvenile arthritis can affect any joint in the body, but is most commonly seen in the knees, ankles, and elbows. Juvenile arthritis can also cause inflammation in the eyes, skin, and digestive system.

Symptoms of juvenile arthritis may include:

– Pain

– Stiffness

– Swelling

– Redness

– Warmth

– Decreased range of motion

– Fatigue

Juvenile arthritis is a chronic condition, which means that it can last for months or even years. There is no cure for juvenile arthritis, but there are treatments available to help manage the symptoms.

Treatment for juvenile arthritis may include:

– Medications

– Physical therapy

– Occupational therapy

– Exercise

– Surgery

If you think your child may have juvenile arthritis, it is important to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent or delay joint damage and improve the quality of life for children with juvenile arthritis.

For more information on juvenile arthritis, please visit the following websites:

– The Juvenile Arthritis Association: http://www.arthritis.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-mission/juaa.php

– The National Institutes of Health: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health_info/ Juvenile_Arthritis

– The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/juvenile- arthritis.htm

– The Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-mission/juaa.php