Arthritis is most commonly diagnosed in adults, but it can also occur in children as young as infancy.
Arthritis in young people is referred to as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), since the cause is usually unknown. JIA is diagnosed when a person younger than 16 years old experiences inflammation in one or more joints for at least 6 weeks.
The American College of Rheumatology estimates that around 1 in 1,000 children have JIA, but the prevalence varies widely by location, study design, and age cut-offs.
According to the
The prevalence was higher in those ages 12 to 17 years, but it also affected people younger than 6 years old.
The symptoms of JIA are similar to those of arthritis in adults. According to the Arthritis Foundation, the most common symptoms include:
- swelling, stiffness, pain, warmth, and discoloration in one or more joints
- fatigue
- vision problems, such as blurry vision
- fever
- loss of appetite
- skin rashes
Symptoms may also differ based on the type of JIA you have.
If you or your child experience arthritis symptoms and are younger than 18 years old, connect with a pediatrician. They can perform a physical examination and refer you to a rheumatologist.
A rheumatologist may perform further tests, such as blood tests, to confirm a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan. Managing JIA may include a combination of medications, physical therapy, regular exercise, and, in rare cases, surgery.
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