What parents need to know about juvenile arthritis

As July marks Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, Tulsa pediatrician Dr. Scott Cyrus is encouraging parents to stay alert for the signs of arthritis in children—a condition that, while uncommon, can have serious long-term effects if left untreated.

Juvenile Arthritis Is Rare, But Not Unheard Of

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), the most common form of arthritis in children, affects roughly 1 to 3 out of every 1,000 children. According to Dr. Cyrus, the disease is “not that common, but yet it's not rare.”

One of the unique challenges with JIA is how unpredictable it can be.

“It can actually occur early on, like less than four years of age, and then go through a full eight years of remission and then show up again when they become an adolescent,” Cyrus said.

Because of its sporadic nature and the subtlety of early symptoms, JIA can be difficult to diagnose, sometimes going unnoticed for years.

Early Signs: What To Look For

One of the most common early indicators of juvenile arthritis is a single swollen, painful, or stiff joint. Redness, inflammation, and unexplained limping may also be present. Children may begin using one limb over another to avoid pain, making the condition harder to detect.

“Kids are so adaptable… a lot of times parents won’t notice,” Cyrus said. “They may limp and think, ‘oh, they just hurt their knee,’ but arthritis can actually cause problems with the eyes, heart and lungs.”

Fatigue is another common symptom, and the condition must persist for at least six weeks to meet diagnostic criteria. Because symptoms often mimic those of minor injuries or growing pains, parents may not seek medical attention right away.

Diagnosis and Treatment

While pediatricians are often the first to recognize potential signs, a pediatric rheumatologist is typically involved in confirming a diagnosis. Initial lab tests can be inconclusive, so diagnosis often depends on clinical observation and patient history, sometimes reaching back to early childhood.

JIA is considered an autoimmune disease, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy joints. The cause is unknown, which is reflected in the term "idiopathic."

Treatment often includes medication to control pain and inflammation, along with physical therapy to preserve mobility. In many cases, the disease can go into remission. However, long-term management may involve multiple specialists and consistent monitoring.

The Importance Of Early Action

Left untreated, JIA can cause permanent joint damage and complications in other organs. It can also affect a child’s mental health, leading to anxiety or depression related to chronic pain and physical limitations.

“Anytime you have a child who limps or who switches hand dominance suddenly, be sure to check in with your pediatrician,” he said.

Dr. Cyrus said early diagnosis is key to preventing lasting damage and helping children live active, healthy lives.