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Juvenile Arthritis Patient Education & Resources

Close to 300,000 kids and teens living in the United States live have been diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or other pediatric rheumatic diseases. These autoimmune diseases can affect not only joints but also skin, eyes and internal organs. Getting a diagnosis can be scary, but effective treatments are available.

Juvenile arthritis refers to rheumatic diseases in children aged 16 and younger. These diseases have many distinctions from adult forms of the diseases and are treated differently than in adults. The most common is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA, previously known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis). Others include juvenile psoriatic arthritis, pediatric lupus and a number of others.
Understanding Juvenile Arthritis Juvenile Arthritis Treatment More JA Programs & Resources
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People with Juvenile Arthritis Need You

Your generous gift today helps find new and better treatments for people living with juvenile arthritis. You’re also supporting life-changing programs and resources that make it easier to manage the disease, plus much more. We’re in this together.

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JIA is more common in white people but has worse outcomes in Black and Hispanic people in the U.S.

Disease onset typically occurs at ages 1 to 3 and affects more girls than boys.

Systemic JIA occurs in roughly 10% to 20% of JIA cases in North America.

Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast

Juvenile Arthritis Explained

Juvenile arthritis, or JA as it’s often called, is a group of autoimmune conditions that affect nearly 300,000 kids and teens in the U.S. In this episode, we explore the basics of JA to help us develop our understanding of the conditions and their treatments.

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Juvenile Arthritis Explained

(0-2yrs) New Diagnosed

Take Control of a New JA Diagnosis

Learn how to help you and your family regain control and a sense of normalcy after a JA diagnosis.

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6+ yrs Diagnosed

JIA Medications Overview

Many effective medications and other treatments are available to ease symptoms and slow the disease progress of JA. Learn about some of the medications used to treat it and what you should know about them.

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6+ yrs Diagnosed

Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

Systemic JIA is a rare, serious form of JIA that can affect organs as well as joints. Symptoms include warm, swollen joints and spiking fevers.

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E-book: Juvenile Arthritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments

Read about the different types of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and related diseases. You’ll learn about their symptoms and how they are diagnosed and treated. You’ll also get practical tips for everyday life, school and more.

Download It Now

Where JA Families Thrive

Four big days of learning, laughter and connection — where JA kids feel understood and parents feel supported.
Explore JA Family Summit

Living Well With Juvenile Arthritis

6+ yrs Diagnosed

Healthy Eating for Juvenile Arthritis

There’s no special JA diet, but certain foods can promote healthy growth and development and help dial down inflammation.

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6+ yrs Diagnosed

Parental Attitudes and Juvenile Arthritis

Learn how your attitude can shape how your child copes with juvenile arthritis.

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6+ yrs Diagnosed

Juvenile Dermatomyositis

Juvenile dermatomyositis is a rare childhood disease with muscle weakness and skin rash.

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Tests for Juvenile Arthritis

Read about tests used to help diagnose and monitor juvenile arthritis.

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JA Webinars

Our informative webinars can help you and your child navigate juvenile arthritis, from emotional self-care to educational rights basics and more.

See Our Webinars

JA Power Pack

Our JA Power Packs provide tools to help you and your child more confidently navigate the JA journey. Designed for different age groups, packs include books, life-changing information and more.

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Guidance for Transitions

The transition from adolescence to adulthood is a big step. Get resources to ease the process, from transitioning out of pediatric care into adult care, to choosing a career and college, and more.

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More About JA

Juvenile Arthritis and Body Image Juvenile Arthritis Mind-Body Techniques Impact of Juvenile Arthritis on Siblings Easing the Pain of Injections for Juvenile Arthritis Juvenile Arthritis and Depression Track Your Juvenile Arthritis Symptoms

Common Questions

What tests are used to diagnose and track JA?
Do adults have JA?
What are the best exercises with JA?
How can I help my child cope with JA?
How can JA affect sleep?
What should I know if my child needs surgery?

Help & Support

Arthritis Foundation Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team understands JA and is here to answer your questions. Call or email us for help in English or Spanish.

Get the Help You Need

Recently Diagnosed?

If your child was recently diagnosed, order your free JA Power Pack that provides tools to help you and your child more confidently navigate the journey with JA.

Get Your JA Power Pack

Get Connected with a Community

Connecting with others in your local community who understand what it's like to live with arthritis is life-changing. Find a connect group near you to make new friends, share tips and get support.

Advocate for Kids & Feel Good

Take simple actions that can help your family tackle the challenges of childhood arthritis.
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Resources & Tools

Your Exercise Solution Videos Your Health, Your Coverage Walk With Ease E-books Live Yes! With Arthritis Podcast Educational Webinars Ease of Use Products Become an Advocate Pain Management Resources
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Get involved with the arthritis community. Tell us a little about yourself and, based on your interests, you’ll receive emails packed with the latest information and resources to live your best life and connect with others.