What are the symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can vary.

They can be very different from one child to the next. And, even in the same child, symptoms can be different each day.

Some common polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis symptoms are:

  • Painful, swollen, and tender joints
  • Joint stiffness that's worse in the morning

Diagnosing JIA: It’s not so easy.

There isn't one specific test that can diagnose JIA, but doctors use a combination of the following methods to make a diagnosis:

  • Evaluation of symptoms
  • Medical history
  • Physical exam
  • X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • Lab tests
  • Process of elimination—ruling out other conditions that can have similar symptoms
A mom and her daughter at the doctor's office.

Why a pediatric rheumatologist?

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment for JIA are important. Ask your child's doctor to help you find a pediatric rheumatologist—a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis in children. You’ll need to work closely with the pediatric rheumatologist to determine the juvenile idiopathic arthritis treatment plan that’s right for your child.