Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

While many people think arthritis only affects older adults, it can also affect children, teenagers and young adults. The most common cause of chronic arthritis in children is called juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). 

If your child has recently been diagnosed with JIA, you might have questions and concerns. Our pediatric rheumatologists at Banner Health are here to help you understand what JIA is, when to seek help and what treatments can improve your child’s joint health and growth.

What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to mistakenly attack the lining inside your joints. This leads to joint pain, stiffness and swelling in children 16 years and younger.

JIA can affect one joint or many joints. It can show up in different ways, depending on the child. Some children have mild symptoms. Others have more noticeable joint swelling or pain that affects daily activities.

What causes juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

“Idiopathic” means we do not fully understand the cause. JIA is not caused by anything you did or didn't do as a parent. It doesn’t come from sports, food or your child’s activity level. 

As with most autoimmune diseases, JIA may result from a mix of genetic factors, environmental exposures and your child’s immune system.

Is juvenile idiopathic arthritis different from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis? 

Because juvenile idiopathic arthritis was previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (RA), many people assume JIA is simply a child version of adult RA. 

Children can be diagnosed with RA but it is rare. JIA is a group of chronic arthritis disorders but RA is a single condition. 

Symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

The early signs of JIA can be easy to miss at first. Many parents think their child has a minor injury or is simply tired. But symptoms that last or keep coming back are important to notice. 

Here are common signs to watch for:

• Joint pain that does not go away
• Swelling in one or more joints
• Stiffness, especially in the morning
• Limping or avoiding using a leg or arm
• A joint that feels warm or looks red
• Trouble with everyday activities like walking, running or holding objects
• Fatigue or low energy

You might also notice your child saying things like, “My knees feel stiff when I wake up,” or “It hurts to run in gym class.”

Morning stiffness is especially important. If your child seems stiff after waking up but loosens up as the day goes on, that can be a clue. 

How is joint pain different from normal growing pains?

Many kids get aches as they grow. Growing pains usually happen at night and often affect both legs. They tend to come and go. 

JIA is different. It often:

• Lasts longer than growing pains
• Affects the same joints repeatedly
• Causes visible swelling
• Leads to limping or movement changes
• Includes morning stiffness 

Types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis 

There are several subtypes of JIA that affect children and teens. Each type is based on how many joints are affected, other symptoms and which body parts are affected.

• Oligoarticular JIA is the most common type of juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It affects four or fewer joints, usually a knee or ankle. It can also cause uveitis, which is inflammation of the middle layer of the eye.
• Polyarticular JIA occurs when five or more joints are affected. This type often affects both sides of the body and can involve large and small joints.
• Systemic JIA, also called juvenile Still’s disease, affects the whole body or many body systems. Symptoms include fever, rash and sometimes feeling generally unwell.
• Enthesitis-related JIA, also called spondyloarthritis, affects the muscles, ligaments and tendons that attach to the bones (entheses). It usually affects the hips, knees and feet but it may also involve the fingers, elbows, the digestive tract and the lower back (ankylosing spondylitis).
• Psoriatic JIA, also known as psoriatic arthritis, causes joint pain and a skin rash called psoriasis. It creates raised, red patches on different parts of the body.
• Undifferentiated JIA happens when children have symptoms that don’t fit into the other groups. They have unclassified JIA.

When to get your child checked

If something feels off, it’s worth taking your child to see their health care provider. You should consider a medical evaluation if:

• Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that lasts more than six weeks
• Morning stiffness that slowly gets better as your child moves around
• A limp with no injury or accident you can point to
• A child avoiding activities they used to love
• Fevers that keep coming back without a clear cause
• Swelling in the same joint again and again

JIA responds best when it is found early. Getting care quickly can help reduce inflammation, protect joints and support normal movement as your child grows.

Make an appointment with a Banner Health pediatric specialist.

How is juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosed?

There is no single test for JIA. Instead, your child’s health care provider will look at the full picture. This may include:

• A physical exam of the joints
• Questions about symptoms and daily activities
• Blood tests to check for swelling markers and rule out other things
• Imaging like X-rays, ultrasound or MRI
• Eye exams to watch for uveitis

Treatment for juvenile idiopathic arthritis

Treatment for JIA focuses on reducing inflammation, easing pain and helping your child move more comfortably. Every child’s plan is different. Your child’s care team may include a pediatric rheumatologist, a pediatric ophthalmologist, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist and other health care specialists.   

Common treatment options include:

Medications

These help reduce inflammation and control the immune response. Some medicines are taken by mouth, while others are given by injection. Your health care provider might recommend:

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids 
• Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) that suppress an immune attack on your child’s bones and joints suppress an immune attack on your child’s bones and joints
• Biological modifying agents that target molecules or proteins that cause inflammation

Physical and occupational therapy

Certain exercises can help keep joints flexible and strong. They also support normal movement patterns, so your child can stay active. A physical or occupational therapist can teach your child strengthening and flexibility exercises, perform manual therapy and prescribe braces or splints.

Learn more about occupational therapy.

Learn more about physical therapy.

Activity and movement

Movement is important. Kids with JIA are often encouraged to stay active in ways that feel good for their bodies, such as swimming or biking. 

Regular monitoring

Your child will have regular check-ups to track progress and adjust treatment as needed. The goal is not only to reduce pain but also to help your child live fully at school, at home and in play.

Living with JIA: School, sports and daily life

A JIA diagnosis doesn’t mean your child has to stop doing the things they love. You can help your child feel strong and normal, not “sick.” With the right support, many kids:

• Attend school regularly
• Play sports or modified physical activities
• Join social activities with friends
• Manage symptoms successfully

You may need to work with your child’s school to make minor adjustments. These can include extra time between classes, rest breaks or modified gym activities.

At home, simple routines help. Warm baths, gentle stretching and consistent sleep can improve comfort. 

How JIA affects growth and well-being

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can affect more than just joints. Ongoing inflammation can affect how your child moves and, in some cases, how they grow. It can also affect the eyes without causing any noticeable symptoms. Without treatment, it can lead to vision loss. That is why early diagnosis and treatment are important. With proper care, your child can protect their joints, reduce pain and stay on track on growth and development.

JIA can also affect your child emotionally. Pain and stiffness may make it harder to keep up with friends, school and activities. You can help by listening, encouraging normal routines and reminding your child that treatment helps many kids feel better and stay active. 

How Banner Health can help

At Banner Health, our pediatric care team is here to support you and your child every step of the way. Our team provides complete, coordinated care, focusing on helping your child move comfortably and stay active.

If you’re seeing signs of JIA in your child, don’t wait. Early care makes a real difference. Schedule a visit with Banner Health today.

Frequently asked questions

What are the early signs of juvenile arthritis? 

Early signs include joint swelling, stiffness, limping and reduced activity. 

Can juvenile idiopathic arthritis go away? 

Some children experience remission but others may need care into adulthood. 

Is juvenile idiopathic arthritis serious? 

It can affect joints and growth but treatment can help manage symptoms and prevent damage. 

Can my child still play sports?

Yes. Many children with JIA stay active in sports. Your child’s care team can help guide safe activity levels and suggest adjustments if needed.

Is JIA the same as adult arthritis?

No. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis affects children and behaves differently from adult arthritis. It is treated with a pediatric-focused approach.

Is JIA the same as osteoarthritis?

No. Osteoarthritis is usually caused by joint wear and tear and is more common in adults. JIA is an inflammatory condition that affects children and requires a different approach to care.

How is JIA treated in children?

Treatment may include medications, therapy and ongoing monitoring.