What is juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is arthritis starting before age 16, lasting more than 6 weeks. It affects around 1 in 1,000 UK children. Early paediatric rheumatology care and DMARDs help most children live active lives.
Last updated 2026-07-01. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of arthritis in a child?
Look out for limping (worse in the morning), a swollen joint, a child avoiding a normally favourite activity, or unexplained fevers and rashes. Always see your GP if joint symptoms last more than two weeks.
Is juvenile arthritis the same as rheumatoid arthritis?
No. JIA is its own group of conditions. Some forms behave similarly to rheumatoid arthritis, but JIA also includes types not seen in adults, such as systemic JIA (Still's disease).
Will my child grow out of JIA?
Some children — particularly those with oligoarticular JIA — do go into long-term remission. Others have ongoing disease into adulthood. Modern treatments have transformed the outlook for most.
Why does my child need eye checks?
JIA can cause silent eye inflammation (uveitis) that, if missed, can damage sight. Regular slit-lamp checks by an ophthalmologist are essential.
Can my child still play sport?
Yes — sport is encouraged. Swimming and cycling are particularly good. Adapt during flares and work with the rheumatology team and PE staff.