Juvenile Arthritis & Related Conditions

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) causes inflammation in the joints. It is the most common type of arthritis in kids and can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness. While the exact cause is not fully understood, JIA is believed to occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. Genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.

Symptoms of JIA may include:

• Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling (often worse in the morning)
• Fatigue or reduced activity levels
• Difficulty moving joints normally.
• Fever or rash (in some subtypes)
• General discomfort or weakness

To diagnose JIA, doctors may use blood tests, urinalysis, joint fluid analysis, and imaging techniques like X-rays and MRI to get a full view of your child’s health. They may also recommend a Lyme disease test, as the symptoms your child presents may be similar to JIA.

Treatment typically combines approaches to reduce inflammation, manage symptoms, and improve joint function. Common options include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and sometimes injections or prescription medications.

Psoriatic arthritis causes joint pain and swelling in children. These symptoms often appear alongside skin symptoms like psoriasis, including red, scaly patches on the skin. The exact cause of psoriatic arthritis is unclear, although genetics and environmental factors may play roles in their development.

Symptoms of psoriatic arthritis in children include:

• Swollen, painful, or stiff joints (commonly in the fingers and toes)
• Fatigue or reduced mobility
• Scaly red patches on the skin (psoriasis)
• Nail pitting or
• Eye inflammation, such as redness or discomfort

To diagnose psoriatic arthritis, our doctors may use comprehensive blood tests, imaging like X-rays or MRIs, and skin evaluations to help differentiate it from other types of arthritis or conditions.

Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, improving joint function, and reducing inflammation. In addition to the use of prescription anti-inflammatory medications, our physicians may recommend alternative therapies like hot and cold therapies to ease pain and swelling, personalized exercise routines to maintain mobility, and physical therapy to strengthen muscles and support joint health.

Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis (JAS) is a form of chronic arthritis that primarily affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, causing pain and stiffness. It can also impact other large joints such as the hips and shoulders. JAS is believed to result from an overactive immune response targeting healthy tissue. Genetic factors, particularly the HLA-B27 gene, are also often associated with the condition.

Symptoms of juvenile ankylosing spondylitis may include:

• Lower back pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity
• Pain or swelling in large joints (like the hips, knees, or shoulders)
• Fatigue or difficulty with daily activities
• Eye inflammation (uveitis)
• Reduced flexibility or posture changes over time

To diagnose JAS, our doctors may use imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs to reveal inflammation or changes in the joints. Blood tests can also help identify markers like the HLA-B27 gene or rule out other conditions.

Treatment for JAS may include physical therapy to maintain mobility and strengthen muscles, anti-inflammatory medications, and biological treatments for more severe cases. Our goal is to reduce pain, manage symptoms, and prevent long-term joint damage for your child’s future.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children refers to a group of chronic conditions that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. The two main types are Crohn’s disease, which can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract, and ulcerative colitis, which is limited to the colon and rectum.

Symptoms of IBD in children may include:

• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Persistent diarrhea, sometimes with blood
• Weight loss or poor growth
• Fatigue or lack of energy
• Loss of appetite or nausea

Diagnosing IBD may include blood tests to check for inflammation or anemia, stool tests to rule out infections, imaging like MRI or CT scans, and endoscopic procedures such as colonoscopy to directly examine and biopsy the digestive tract.

Treatment for IBD includes prescription anti-inflammatory medications and immunosuppressants tailored to the child’s condition. Nutritional support and specialized diets may also be recommended to manage symptoms and avoid flare-ups.

Uveitis in children is an inflammation of the uvea, the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris. This condition can lead to eye pain, redness, and vision problems. It may be caused by autoimmune conditions, infections, or, in some cases, be linked to juvenile arthritis or other systemic health issues.

Symptoms of uveitis in children may include:

• Eye redness and swelling
• Pain or tenderness in one or both eyes
• Blurred or decreased vision
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Flashes of light or the appearance of floaters in vision

Diagnosing uveitis typically involves a thorough eye examination performed by a specialist. Tests may include imaging to detect inflammation or damage and blood tests or other evaluations to identify underlying conditions.

Treatment for uveitis often includes topical or oral corticosteroids, dilating eye drops to reduce pain, and medications to address any underlying autoimmune disorder.