What is juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the name given to a number of types of arthritis that occur in children.
The name comes from:
Juvenile: referring to children under the age of sixteen years.
Idiopathic: meaning it has no known cause.
Arthritis: conditions that cause joint inflammation and pain.
What are the main symptoms of JIA?
• joint pain, swelling, tenderness, stiffness, redness and warmth
• fatigue (tiredness and lack of energy), fevers, loss of appetite or weight, and generally feeling unwell
• skin rashes
• inflammation of the eyes (uveitis) and other organs of the body in some forms of the disease.
Learn about JIA
Visit the Arthritis Australia website for information and resources, including booklets
Living with JIA
Living with arthritis can be challenging not only for the child or young person with JIA, but for their families and friends.
Below you will find a number of resources that can help including short videos to help explain JIA to grandparents, cousins or other family members.
Information for extended family
Information for kids and young people.
Understanding JIA and how it affects someone can be difficult for people of all ages. We’ve made these animations to help young people understand more about JIA, whether that be friends, family or classmates. These videos are designed to help young people who don’t have JIA understand more about the condition and how it may affect someone.
Information for teachers and school staff
School staff play an important part in helping children and young people living with JIA manage their condition during the school day. This animation is designed to help teachers and other school staff understand more about the condition, how it may affect activities and tasks during the school day, and things that may help.
