Effects of JIA
JIA’s effect on your child’s body
Look for these common symptoms:
- Limping
- Joint swelling, with pain and stiffness which may be more pronounced when awakening
- Decreased activity level
- Reluctance to use an arm or leg
Be aware that in addition to joint changes, JIA may interfere with your child’s
bone growth and development, and at times, may affect other body systems. Every
child is different, and your child may not experience all of the effects of JIA.
Prepare your child
If your child’s physician suspects he or she has JIA, you will likely be referred
to a specialist. A pediatric rheumatologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing
and treating childhood arthritis.
TNF-blockers like HUMIRA can help children with polyarticular JIA
TNF (tumor necrosis factor) is a protein made by the immune system. While the exact
cause of JIA is unknown, the disease has been linked to overproduction of TNF. This
excess TNF can signal cells to attack normal body tissue and cause inflammation
in the tissues of bones, cartilage and joints. HUMIRA (adalimumab), a biologic,
can help block the bad effects of TNF in those areas. HUMIRA is used in children
4 years of age and older to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severe
polyarticular JIA. HUMIRA can be used alone or with methotrexate or with certain
other medicines.