Chuang Gung Medical Foundation, Division of Pediatric Allergy, Asthma and Rheumatology - UNREGISTERED VERSION

About Juvenile idiopathic arthritis

by Min-Jay Yang

     Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is one of many autoimmune diseases in pediatric patients.  Most people will associate arthritis with elderly patients, however, it can happen in children.  Juvenile idiopathic arthritis shares many similar symptoms as adult arthritis, such as joint swelling, pain, warmth, redness or limited range of motion.  The symptoms usually are more severe in the morning, also known as “morning stiffness” and better in the afternoon.  Because the symptoms wax and wane, sometimes the children is thought to be faking the discomfort in order to avoid school or gym class.  Sometimes the children can go on for years without being diagnosed properly.

       There are many types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. For simplicity sake, we can roughly categorized into 3 types: oligoarticular, polyarticular and systemic-onset types.  Each type has different set of clinical symptoms, treatments and complications.

        If your child is frequently complaining joint discomfort or is walking “funny”, please seek help with a pediatric physician.  A prompt treatment can help prevent joint destruction and much improved life quality.  If you have any question, please do not hesitate to leave us an email and our staffs will get back to you as soon as we can.