5 Common Questions About Juvenile Arthritis
5 Common Questions About Juvenile Arthritis
Receiving a diagnosis for your child can be both frightening and confusing—especially when it’s a condition like arthritis, which many associate with aging. But juvenile arthritis is a real and manageable condition that affects children, and understanding it is the first step in supporting your child’s health and well-being.
Erin Treemarcki, DO, a pediatrician and pediatric rheumatologist at University of Utah Health, answers common questions parents may have about juvenile arthritis.
1. What is juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis is a condition that causes joint inflammation under the age of 16. There are many types of juvenile arthritis, but the most common is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)—a chronic form that lasts at least six weeks and isn't caused by an infection or another autoimmune disease.
The term “idiopathic” means the cause of the condition is unknown.
“We don't really know why some children get it and some don't,” Treemarcki explains. “Nothing you did or did not do caused the arthritis.”
2. What are the first signs and symptoms?
Juvenile arthritis can be tricky to spot at first. Symptoms can flare up and then become less noticeable. And depending on your child’s age, they may have difficulty communicating their symptoms to you. Symptoms may also mimic other childhood conditions.
Talk with your pediatrician if your child experiences these symptoms:
- Pain and stiffness: Especially noticeable after waking up or after long periods of sitting, such as during a long car ride. Your child might limp in the morning but walk normally by the afternoon.
- Swelling: Joints may appear puffy or feel warm to the touch.
- Limited range of motion: Pain and stiffness may cause the affected joints to lose mobility and flexibility.
3. Is there a cure?
There’s currently no cure for juvenile arthritis, but children can go into long-term remission, where symptoms can be minimal or disappear for months or even years.
“We have really good treatments for JIA, and the goal of our treatments is to have those symptoms go away,” Treemarcki says. “That way, kids can be kids and do everything that they’d like to do.”
4. How is juvenile arthritis treated or managed?
Early diagnosis and symptom management are key to achieving long-term remission. While treatment plans vary by child, the main goals are to:
- Relieve pain and stiffness in the joints
- Maintain joint function and movement
- Reduce inflammation
- Prevent permanent damage
Your child’s medical team will work with you to determine which medications work best for them. Additional ways to manage symptoms include:
- Physical therapy
- Physical activity
- Massage and acupuncture
- Heat therapy to reduce pain and stiffness
- Pain relief medications, including NSAIDs and creams, as advised by their doctor
- Mental health support to help your child navigate chronic illness
Because JIA can also affect other parts of the body—like the eyes, skin, or gastrointestinal tract—your child may need to see additional specialists.
5. Can my child still play sports and go to school?
Yes, children with juvenile arthritis can still enjoy school, sports, and other activities.
Treemarcki recommends physical activity for her patients with JIA, but caution should be taken with certain sports due to injury risk based on the amount of arthritis a child has.
At school, your child may need accommodations for additional support.
“Our team at the University of Utah has letters prepared for schools so parents can request what’s called a 504 plan,” Treemarcki says. “This allows them to have specific accommodations for their child, such as access to an elevator or alternative assignments during a PE class.”
A juvenile arthritis diagnosis for your child is the beginning of a journey. But working with a care team can help them live a happy and normal life.
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