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Juvenile Arthritis Patient Education & Resources

Nearly 300,000 kids and teens in the United States live with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or other pediatric rheumatic diseases. These autoimmune diseases affect not only joints but also skin, eyes and internal organs. A diagnosis can be scary, but effective treatments are available.

Juvenile arthritis refers to rheumatic diseases in children aged 16 and younger. These diseases are not just adult diseases in children; they have many distinctions and are treated differently than in adults. The most common is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis), and they include juvenile psoriatic arthritis, pediatric lupus and a number of others.

Understanding Juvenile Arthritis Juvenile Arthritis Treatment More JA Programs & Resources

JIA is most common in Caucasians, affecting 8.3 out of every 100,000.

Disease onset typically occurs in children aged 2 to 4, and affects girls more often than boys.

Systemic JIA occurs in 5% to 15% of JIA cases in North America and Europe.

Explaining JIA to Your Child

Read tips from experts for talking to your child about their juvenile arthritis in ways that they can understand and that will give them confidence to deal with it.

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JIA Medications Overview

Many effective medications and other treatments are available to ease symptoms and slow the disease progress of JA. Learn about some of the medications used to treat it and what you should know about them.

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Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis & Systemic JIA Treatments

Learn about the best treatments for systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, JIA oligoarthritis and JIA of the jaw.

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Choosing a Pediatric Rheumatologist

Learning that your child has juvenile arthritis can be scary and overwhelming. Get resources and tips to help you find the best doctor for your child with juvenile arthritis.

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News & Stories

Managing Infection Risk for Kids With Arthritis

Having juvenile arthritis also puts your child at a greater risk of infections, like the flu or COVID-19. Learn about risk factors and how to help protect your child.

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Science Initiatives

Conquering Childhood Arthritis

The Arthritis Foundation is mobilizing patients and their families to engage in studies comparing the effectiveness of treatments for juvenile arthritis and funding research for more options.

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Stories of Yes! Meet the Natalies

Meet two young women, both affected in different ways by arthritis, who teamed up to form a support group for others who are also living with arthritis.

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Living Well With Juvenile Arthritis

Managing Health Care

Giving Kids a Role in Their Medical Care

Find out what medical responsibilities your child with arthritis should have in each stage of life.

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Parental Attitudes and Juvenile Arthritis

Learn how your attitude can shape how your child copes with juvenile arthritis.

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JIA Beyond the Joints

Learn about common conditions that may affect your child with arthritis.

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CAM Therapies to Try for Juvenile Arthritis

Complementary therapies cannot cure JA, but some alternative treatments may provide relief.

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More About JA

Juvenile Arthritis and Body Image Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Impact of Juvenile Arthritis on Siblings Easing the Pain of Injections for Juvenile Arthritis Expert Q&A: Checking In With Your Child Track Your Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms

Common Questions

What tests are used to diagnose and track JA?

How can I help my child cope with JA?

What is a healthy diet with JA?

How can JA affect sleep?

What are the best exercises with JA?

What should I know if my child needs surgery?

Help & Support

Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team understands JA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.

Get the Help You Need

Recently Diagnosed?

If your child was recently diagnosed, order your free JA Power Pack that provides tools to help you and your child more confidently navigate the journey with JA.

Get Your JA Power Pack

JA Programs in Your Community

Connect with local families living with JA to learn, have fun and get help with your own journey.

Advocate for Kids & Feel Good

Take simple actions that can help your family tackle the challenges of childhood arthritis.

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Resources & Tools

Your Exercise Solution Videos Your Health, Your Coverage Walk With Ease E-books Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast Educational Webinars Ease of Use Products Become an Advocate Pain Management Resources

Stay in the Know. Live in the Yes.

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