Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis (JA) refers to any form of arthritis or an arthritis-related condition that develops in children or teenagers who are less than 18 years of age.

Impact of Juvenile Arthritis

• Approximately 294,000 children under the age 18 are affected by pediatric arthritis and rheumatologic conditions.
• State prevalence numbers for pediatric arthritis and rheumatologic conditions are available in the "Prevalence of and Annual Ambulatory Health Care Visits for Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatologic Conditions in the US in 2001-2004."
• Ambulatory care visits for pediatric arthritis and rheumatologic conditions averaged 827,000 annually.
• Juvenile arthritis is one of the most common childhood diseases in the United States.
• Arthritis and related conditions, such as juvenile arthritis, cost the U.S. economy nearly $128 billion per year in medical care and indirect expenses, including lost wages and productivity.

Kids In Control KITS (KICKITS)

The Arthritis Foundation, Greater Illinois Chapter is offering FREE survival kits to children in Illinois who have been diagnosed by a doctor with a form of juvenile arthritis.  The KICKIT (Kids In Control KIT) is designed to help your child learn how to take control of their arthritis by providing educational information, a health journal, a book for mom and dad, a book for the child and heat and cold pack made by HOTPAK HUGGIES. 

The KIT is FREE, however, if you are able, a voluntary donation is appreciated so that we can provide KITS to more kids in Illinois.  Donations may be made at the bottom of the registration form.  Thank you for your support of Juvenile Arthritis Programs in Illinois.

The Juvenile Arthritis Clinic provides comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for children with rheumatic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemiclupus erythematosus through a multi-disciplinary team approach. The team includes two Rheumatologists, an RN, a Pediatric Clinical Counselor and an Arthritis Foundation Advocate. The program aims to achieve three goals: to assist in the diagnosis and management of children, to increase awareness of rheumatic disease in children and to act as an educational resource.

The clinics held once a month on the second Thursday, by appointment only. A referral from your pediatrician or family practitioner is required. Appointments can be made by calling (309) 655-7900 and speaking with Lisa. All other questions regarding the clinic can be answered by calling (309) 682-6600. Get more details.