Among children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, symptoms of the disease most commonly include persistent joint swelling, pain, and stiffness that is usually worse after sleeping. Other symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can include decreased range of motion within affected joints, spiking fevers, an unexplained rash, and inflammation in other organs (such as the eyes). In many cases, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis symptoms will improve or disappear after several months or years.
An Overview of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms
About 50,000 children in the United States have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). Symptoms of the condition (and their severity), however, vary. For example, one child may have a sore wrist or swollen finger, while another may have many painful joints and a rash and fever that come and go.
Decreased range of motion within the affected joints
Problems of growth and development
Spiking fevers
Unexplained rash
Inflammation within other organs, such as the heart or eyes.
By diagnosing the type of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis a child has (see Types of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis), healthcare providers will have a better idea what to expect, along with the possible complications that may occur in each individual.
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print