Juvenile arthritis, arthritis in children under 18, has been diagnosed in almost 300,000 kids in the United States.
Juvenile arthritis (JA) is usually an autoimmune disorder, meaning that it affects the immune system and the body’s ability to fight off bacteria and viruses. It targets children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds, and is most often found in the knees, hands, and feet. There are various types of JA and doctors aren’t completely sure what causes this disease, but the most common symptoms are:
. Swelling of the joints
. Pain and stiffness that doesn’t go away
. Limping in the morning because of a stiff knee
. Excessive clumsiness
. High fever and skin rash
. Swelling in lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body
Arthritis in children can cause a number of issues including eye inflammation and growth problems, like uneven bones and joints.
Talk to your pediatrician or a rheumatologist if you suspect your child might have arthritis. He or she will take a family history and perform a variety of tests including a physical exam, blood work and x rays. To make an appointment with a rheumatologist, please call Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Ambulatory Care Center at 718-670-5486.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.