Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month: What Every Parent Should Know

Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to a group of autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases that affect children under the age of 16. While arthritis is often thought of as a condition that affects older adults, it can and does occur in children and teenagers.

These conditions happen when the immune system, which normally defends the body, mistakenly attacks healthy cells and tissues. This immune response causes inflammation that leads to joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. For some children, inflammation also affects the eyes, skin, or internal organs.

Most teens with arthritis feel isolated at first. But it's not as rare as many think. Even 17-year-olds can be diagnosed with arthritis, although it occurs less often than in adults. July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month and it is a time to learn, and support kids living with arthritis. Understanding juvenile arthritis symptoms and seeking early treatment can help manage the condition and prevent long-term damage.

Recognizing Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis can look very different from child to child. Some children have only mild joint symptoms, while others may face serious complications affecting multiple parts of the body. Joint inflammation is the most common sign, but other areas may be involved too.

Common juvenile arthritis symptoms include:

1. Swollen, red, or warm joints
2. Stiffness, especially in the morning or after resting
3. Eye pain or sensitivity to light (from uveitis)
4. Rashes on the skin, especially with fever
5. Fatigue or loss of appetite
6. Growth delays in affected limbs

In children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the whole body may be affected. These children often have high fevers and a pink or rash. Eye inflammation can lead to vision problems if left untreated. Regular eye exams are critical for children with certain types of JA.

Causes and Risk Factors

Juvenile arthritis develops when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s own tissues. Scientists do not fully understand why this happens, but genetic and environmental factors likely play a role. Children with a family history of autoimmune diseases may be at slightly increased risk.

In children with juvenile arthritis, the immune system produces certain proteins that cause inflammation. These proteins (TNF-alpha, IL-1, and IL-6) are usually helpful for fighting infections. But in JA, the body makes too much of them, and they start to damage healthy joints and organs.

Some newer medicines, called biologics, are designed to block these specific proteins. By doing this, they help reduce inflammation, protect the joints, and improve how children feel over time. These treatments have made a big difference in how well many kids with JA do long-term.

Types of Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis includes several different subtypes. Each has specific patterns of symptoms and risks.

• Oligoarticular JIA affects four or fewer joints, usually large joints like the knees or ankles.
• Polyarticular JIA (RF negative) affects five or more joints without rheumatoid factor in blood tests.
• Polyarticular JIA (RF positive) is similar to adult rheumatoid arthritis and includes antibodies in blood tests.
• Systemic JIA includes fever and rash, sometimes before joint symptoms appear.
• Psoriatic JIA involves joint pain and skin changes, such as scaly patches or nail pitting.
• Enthesitis-related JIA affects where tendons attach to bone, common in older boys.
• Undifferentiated arthritis refers to symptoms that don’t match other specific types.

Other conditions, like juvenile lupus, juvenile myositis, and juvenile scleroderma, are also considered under the umbrella of pediatric rheumatic diseases. These can affect muscles, skin, and internal organs in addition to the joints.

Can Teenagers Get Arthritis?

Yes. Teenagers can and do develop arthritis. While it is less common than in adults, many teens are diagnosed each year. Arthritis in teens usually presents as joint stiffness, pain, or swelling that doesn’t go away. This can interfere with sports, walking, or even writing.

In arthritis, the synovial membrane (the lining of the joints) becomes inflamed. This inflammation can limit movement and cause pain, especially after rest or sleep. If untreated, chronic inflammation may cause lasting joint damage. Some teens may also develop arthritis calcium deposits, which are small hardened areas that form in or around the joints due to long-term inflammation.

Treatment Options

There is no cure for JA, but treatment can control symptoms and improve quality of life. The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, prevent joint damage, and maintain mobility.

Most treatment plans include a mix of:

• Medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, DMARDs, and biologics
• Physical therapy to maintain joint function and strength
• Balanced diet, exercise, and stress management
• Complementary therapies like Acupuncture, massage, and mindfulness

Some nutrients are especially important for children with arthritis. Calcium and vitamin D are essential for healthy bones. Children with JA are at higher risk for weaker bones because of inflammation, reduced physical activity, or medication side effects, especially from corticosteroids. These issues can sometimes contribute to arthritis calcium deposits, which can add to joint pain and stiffness over time.

Arthritis Calcium Deposits

Some children with juvenile arthritis may develop arthritis calcium deposits, which are small, hard spots that form in or around the joints. These can be caused by long-term inflammation, certain medications like corticosteroids, or problems with how the body handles calcium.
Arthritis calcium deposits may lead to stiffness, soreness, or limited movement in the affected joints. 

Calcium is essential for healthy bones, but when not properly absorbed or regulated, it may contribute to arthritis calcium deposits that cause joint stiffness or discomfort. Doctors often monitor calcium levels closely to support bone health without raising the chances of arthritis calcium deposits forming.

Life Expectancy and Long-Term Outlook

Most children with juvenile arthritis can expect to live a normal life span. Due to advances in early diagnosis and treatment, many reach adulthood without severe joint damage or disability. Children with systemic-onset JIA may have a higher risk of serious complications, especially if treatment is delayed. However, most children respond well to current medications.

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis

Juvenile arthritis can be mistaken for other conditions. Growing pains, viral infections, injuries, or even childhood cancers may cause similar symptoms. This is why a correct diagnosis is important.

Doctors will look at your child’s medical history, perform a physical exam, and order lab tests and imaging studies. A pediatric rheumatologist is the specialist most experienced in diagnosing and treating JA.

Final Thoughts

Juvenile arthritis is a serious but manageable condition. Teens and children diagnosed early and treated well often go on to live healthy, active lives. Most children have a normal life expectancy, especially when inflammation is controlled.

Supporting treatment with good nutrition, physical activity, and calcium may improve outcomes. Talk to your healthcare team if your child has persistent joint pain, swelling, or fatigue. Knowing how to spot juvenile arthritis symptoms and managing risks like arthritis calcium deposits can help protect your child’s future health.