· Juvenile arthritis is the term used to describe arthritis, or inflammation of the joints, in children.
· The most common symptoms of juvenile arthritis are joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that don’t go away.
· Juvenile arthritis is usually an autoimmune disorder. In an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks some of the body’s own healthy cells and tissues.
· To diagnose juvenile arthritis, a doctor may perform a physical exam, ask about family health history, and order lab or blood tests, and x-rays.
· Juvenile arthritis can make it hard to take part in social and after-school activities, and it can make schoolwork more difficult. But all family members can help the child both physically and emotionally.
· Exercise is key to reducing the symptoms of arthritis and maintaining range of motion of the joints.
· Inflammation inside of the eye and growth problems may also occur with juvenile arthritis.