Children Arthritis
Sever’s Disease (children)
Sever’s disease causes pain in the bone at the back of the heel. This pain occurs because of a mismatch between the growth of the calf bones and muscles. It is slightly more common in boys than girls and usually affects children aged 8 – 12 years.
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Juvenile Dermatomyositis (children)
Juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the skin and muscle. Inflammation is one of the body’s protective responses to infection or injury, but in diseases such as JDM, uncontrolled inflammation can cause damage. Other parts of the body may also be affected such as the lung and intestines.
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Localised Scleroderma (children)
Localised scleroderma is an inflammatory disease affecting the skin. Inflammation is normally one of the body’s protective responses to infection or injury. In diseases such as localised scleroderma, uncontrolled inflammation leads to hardening and discolouration of the involved skin.
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Hypermobility Syndromes (children)
We are at our most flexible as babies and become less flexible with age. Many children are hypermobile (“double jointed”) in one or more joints. When this affects many joints, and is associated with pain, it is called a hypermobility syndrome.
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Growing pains / Benign nocturnal limb pains (children)
Growing pains are common and affect otherwise healthy children. The pains usually start in the preschool years. Growing pains are often difficult to pinpoint, but are usually in the legs.
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Familial Mediterranean Fever (children)
Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a disease that results in episodes of fever, abdominal pain, chest pain, joint pain and rashes. It is most common in people of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern ancestry, but can occur in people of any ethnicity.
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Anterior Knee Pain (children)
Anterior knee pain is pain which occurs in the front of the knee around the knee cap. Anterior knee pain is more common during the teenage years and affects girls more than boys.
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Chilblains / Perniosis (children)
Chilblains are an injury to the skin of the hands and feet (although they can occur elsewhere like nose, ears, buttocks) caused by cold temperatures. The other name for chilblains is perniosis.
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Chronic Recurrent Multifocal Osteomyelitis (children)
Chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) is a disease affecting the bones. Inflammation is normally one of the body’s protective responses to infection or injury, but in diseases such as CRMO, uncontrolled inflammation can cause damage. In CRMO, inflammation targets the bone and can occur throughout the body.
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Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (children)
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the name given to a number of types of arthritis that occur in children. We do know that JIA is an autoimmune condition. This means the body’s immune system (its protective mechanism against infection) starts to mistakenly attack healthy cells of the body.
🧒 Children’s Arthritis: What Every Parent Should Know
What is Children’s Arthritis?
When we think of arthritis, we often picture older adults with stiff joints. But arthritis doesn’t only affect the elderly — children can suffer from it too. The condition is known as Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) and is the most common type of arthritis in children under 16 years old.
Common Symptoms to Watch For:
Joint pain and stiffness, especially in the morning
Swelling in one or more joints
Limping or difficulty using a limb
Fatigue or low energy
Fever or skin rash in some cases
These symptoms may come and go and can be mistaken for growing pains or injuries, which is why many children go undiagnosed for a long time.
What Causes It?
The exact cause of JIA is still unknown. It is considered an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues — in this case, the joints.
Genetics may play a role, but infections or environmental triggers could also be factors.
Types of Juvenile Arthritis
There are several types, including:
Oligoarticular JIA: Affects 4 or fewer joints
Polyarticular JIA: Affects 5 or more joints
Systemic JIA: Affects the whole body, with fever and rash
Each type has its own challenges and treatment approach.
How is it Diagnosed?
Doctors often use:
Physical exams
Blood tests (like ANA or rheumatoid factor)
X-rays or MRIs to look for joint damage
A pediatric rheumatologist is usually involved in diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment Options
Although there’s no permanent cure, children with JIA can lead full lives with proper treatment, which may include:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Disease-modifying drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate
Biologics for more severe cases
Physical therapy to keep joints flexible
Early treatment is crucial to prevent joint damage and ensure normal growth.
How Parents Can Help
Monitor symptoms and report changes to doctors
Encourage gentle physical activity
Support emotional well-being — living with a chronic illness can be hard on kids
Ensure regular checkups and medication schedules
Final Words
Juvenile arthritis may sound scary, but with early diagnosis, the right care, and family support, children can manage their condition and thrive. If your child complains of persistent joint pain, don’t ignore it — early attention can make a lifetime of difference.
