Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to any form of arthritis or an arthritis-related condition that develops in children or teenagers who are less than 18 years of age.
Approximately 294,000 children under the age of 18 are affected by pediatric arthritis and rheumatologic conditions.
It is important to learn if your child has arthritis and what type. Treatments depend on what type your child has. Finding out is called getting a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are keys to preventing or slowing joint damage.
Types of Juvenile Arthritis:
- Juvenile Dermatomyositis
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (also known as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis and Juvenile Chronic Arthritis )
- Juvenile Spondyloarthropathies
- Lupus in Children
- Scleroderma
Common Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis
- Pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness of joints, causing limited range of motion
- Joint contracture, which results from holding a painful joint in a flexed position for an extended period
- Damage to joint cartilage and bone leading to joint deformity and impaired use of the joint
- Altered growth of bone and joints leading to short stature
July 2009
Sources: http://www.arthritis.org/
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