04-02-2023, 11:39 AM
Childhood arthritis, also known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), refers to arthritis that develops in children 16 years old or younger. JIA is an autoimmune disorder in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints, causing inflammation, pain, and reduced mobility. There are several different subtypes of JIA, including oligoarticular JIA (affecting four or fewer joints), polyarticular JIA (affecting five or more joints), and systemic JIA (involving the whole body, including the skin, eyes, and internal organs). Symptoms of JIA may include joint pain and swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and a high temperature. The cause of JIA is not known, but treatment typically involves medication, physical therapy, and other interventions to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.