Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a group of disorders that causes arthritis (stiff, swollen, painful joints) in children. Often, the disease has times when symptoms go away (called remission) and times when they get worse (called a flare). 

Treatments can help with symptoms so children with JIA can live a full and active life.

• Follow your health care provider's instructions on:
  • what medicines your child should take
  • any special precautions to take if your child is on medicines that weaken the immune system
  • any other health care providers to see 
• Work with your child's physical therapist to develop a regular exercise program. This will help keep your child's muscles strong and flexible. 
• Learn about JIA with your child. Your care team is a great resource. You also can find information and support online at:
  • The Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis
• Encourage a well-balanced diet that includes calcium-rich foods. This will help keep your child's bones strong.

• Your child's symptoms seem to be getting worse or are not getting better.
• Your child has side effects from the medicines.
• Your child has new symptoms.

• Your child is on medicine that weakens the immune system and has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.

Are there different kinds of JIA? There are different types of JIA. Each involves different joints. Kids with some types of JIA may have symptoms that include fever, rashes, eye problems, and bowel problems.

What causes JIA? JIA is an autoimmune illness. This means that the body's immune system, which normally attacks germs, mistakenly attacks the joints. This causes inflammation (swelling and irritation) in the joints and other problems.