Juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children affects more kids than many parents realise. In Australia, up to 30,000 young people aged 0 to 24 are living with juvenile arthritis. Early understanding and support can make all the difference.
What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis in children?
What is it?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common type of arthritis found in children under 16. It’s a long-term condition that causes joint pain, swelling and stiffness. Basically, the body’s immune system, which normally fights off germs, ends up attacking healthy joints by mistake.
This can make a child’s joints swollen and sore, especially in the morning or after resting. Over time, if it’s not treated, it can affect how bones and joints grow and even lead to damage. In some cases, it might also cause problems in other parts of the body like the eyes.
JIA can show up in just one or two joints, or in many and it can look different from child to child. The good news is that with the right treatment and early care, most kids with JIA can still live active, healthy lives.
Causes: No one knows exactly why the immune system acts this way in JIA. Scientists think it’s a mix of genetics (some kids have certain genes that make them more likely to get JIA) and environmental triggers, like infections or other unknown causes.
Symptoms: JIA symptoms vary depending on the type and may include:
- Eye redness, eye pain and blurred vision
- Morning joint stiffness
- Pain, swelling or warmth in your child’s joints
- Skin rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss or poor growth
- Fatigue or irritability
- Fever
- Limping
5 types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children
Oligoarticular JIA
This type affects fewer than 5 joints in the first 6 months, often in the knees, ankles or elbows. It’s more common in girls and many children outgrow it. Some kids may also develop uveitis, a kind of eye inflammation.
Polyarticular JIA
This type affects 5 or more joints, often on both sides of the body like both knees or wrists. It may also involve smaller joints, the jaw or neck. It’s more common in girls, and sometimes includes eye inflammation.
Psoriatic JIA
Children with this type have both arthritis and psoriasis (a skin condition), or they have signs like swollen fingers or toes, nail changes or a close relative with psoriasis. Uveitis may also happen.
Enthesitis-related JIA (Juvenile spondyloarthritis)
This type affects spots where tendons or ligaments attach to bones, along with joints like the hips or spine. It’s more common in boys over age 7 and may also involve eye or bowel issues.
Systemic JIA
This type causes arthritis along with full-body symptoms like high fever, rash and swollen lymph nodes. It can also affect organs like the heart or liver. It’s rare and affects both boys and girls equally.
III. Management and treatment for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Medicines
Treatment often starts with NSAIDs to reduce pain and swelling. If that’s not enough, doctors may use DMARDs like methotrexate to slow the disease and protect joints. For more serious cases, biologic agents or corticosteroids (given as pills or joint injections) may be needed. Steroids are used carefully due to side effects.
Physical and occupational therapy
Physical therapy: Helps keep joints flexible and muscles strong. A therapist might design special exercises or suggest gentle activities like swimming.
Occupational therapy: Helps kids with everyday tasks and may include tools or splints to protect their joints.
Healthy habits
- Exercise: Staying active helps with movement and overall health.
- Balanced diet: Eating well supports healthy growth. Calcium-rich foods are important, especially if a child takes steroids.
- Rest: Getting enough sleep helps the body heal and keeps energy levels up.
Eye care
Some kids with JIA are at risk for uveitis, an eye inflammation that might not show clear symptoms. Regular eye exams are important to catch it early.
Emotional and social support
Living with JIA can be tough. Support from family, friends and healthcare providers makes a big difference in helping kids stay positive and cope with challenges.
Living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis in children can be challenging, but you’re not alone. At LOTUS, your trusted NDIS provider Gold Coast, we also offer positive and supportive space for families. Just a little joy and care can make a big difference in facing JIA!
