Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis is a term used to describe a group of long-lasting, chronic, inflammatory diseases that affect children. It is the most common type of arthritis in children. Juvenile arthritis can cause persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Some children may experience symptoms for only a few months, while others have symptoms for many years.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis include:

• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
• Swelling in one or more joints for at least six weeks
• Persistent pain in a joint
• Limping due to joint stiffness
• High fever and rash
• Fatigue or irritability
• Difficulty with physical activity

Causes

The exact cause of juvenile arthritis is unknown. However, it is believed to be related to both genetic and environmental factors. Some research suggests that certain gene mutations may make a person more susceptible to environmental factors, such as viruses, which could trigger the disease.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of juvenile arthritis can be difficult because many conditions cause joint swelling and stiffness. Doctors often have to rule out other conditions before they can diagnose juvenile arthritis. This may involve blood tests, X-rays, and other medical imaging.

Treatment

Treatment for juvenile arthritis focuses on helping your child maintain a normal level of physical and social activity. To achieve this, doctors may use a combination of strategies to relieve pain and inflammation, prevent joint damage, and improve functional abilities.

See also

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Psoriatic arthritis

References

Juvenile Arthritis Resources
Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials	Wikipedia