What Is Juvenile Arthritis? How Early Intervention Can Protect Young Joints

What Is Juvenile Arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis is an umbrella term for autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that can develop in children under age 16. While most people associate arthritis with aging, it’s estimated that nearly 300,000 children in the U.S. live with a form of arthritis. The most common type is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but there are several subtypes that affect different joints and systems.

What Causes It?

Juvenile arthritis happens when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own joints and tissues, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and inflammation. The exact cause is unknown, but genetics, environmental triggers, and immune system dysfunction are all believed to play a role.

Common Signs & Symptoms in Kids

• Persistent joint pain, stiffness, or swelling (often worse in the morning)
• Limping or reluctance to use a joint
• Fatigue or irritability
• Fever or rash
• Delayed growth or uneven limb length

These symptoms may appear gradually, and young children may have trouble explaining their discomfort — which makes early observation and intervention key.

How It’s Diagnosed

Diagnosing juvenile arthritis involves a combination of:

• Physical exam
• Lab tests (e.g. inflammatory markers, autoimmune antibodies)
• Imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI

Because there’s no single test that confirms JIA, thorough evaluations and a collaborative care team are essential.

Can Orthopedic Providers Help?

Although pediatric rheumatologists lead the diagnosis and management of juvenile arthritis, orthopedic and sports medicine specialists play an important role in maintaining mobility and monitoring joint health. At 360 Orthopedics, our physicians regularly evaluate joint issues in children and adolescents, including:

• Sports injuries that mimic or overlap with inflammatory symptoms
• Growth plate concerns or joint development
• Supportive care for mobility and strength

 Meet the Providers Who Treat Joint Concerns

- Dr. William A. Mahoney and Dr. Jeff Silverstein – Orthopedic surgeons who treat arthritis of the hip and knee

- Dr. Julie Barré and Dr. Steven Page – Orthopedic surgeons who treat arthritis of the shoulder

- Dr. Douglas Constant, Dr. Ashot Kotcharian, and Dr. Justin Raye – Interventional pain management physicians who treat arthritis of the back and neck

- Dr. W. Kim Furman – Orthopedic surgeon who treats general orthopedic concerns

- Dr. Michael Clare and Dr. Jemaar Graham – Orthopedic surgeons who treat complex joint and cartilage issues

- Brian Bourdeau, Allison Blackenburg, Daniel Pierce, Andrew Pyatt, and Lora Yoder – Physical therapists who specialize in safe mobility strategies for patients of all ages

Support and Next Steps

If you’re concerned about your child’s joint health, it’s important to consult your pediatrician first — and, when appropriate, consult a specialist. While 360 Orthopedics is not a pediatric rheumatology clinic, our team regularly evaluates joint pain, growth concerns, and mobility challenges in young patients and partners closely with referring providers to ensure continuity of care.

CITED SOURCES:

- Arthritis Foundation – Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month: https://www.arthritis.org/juvenile-arthritis

- American College of Rheumatology – Juvenile Arthritis: https://rheumatology.org/patients/juvenile-arthritis

- CDC – Arthritis Among Children and Teens: https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/childhood.htm