July is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Awareness Month

Juvenile Arthritis is an inflammatory disease that affects children under the age of 16, It causes joint pain, swelling, and stiffness. JIA is a rare disease that requires lab testing and/or imaging, is a lifelong condition, and requires treatment to manage. 

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Pain in the joints
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Fatigue
• Poor appetite
• Intermittent fever
• Eye problems
• Rashes
• Anemia

Though the exact cause is not known, two factors that trigger the condition are hereditary and environmental factors. Studies show that girls are more prone to have JIA.

Treatments may include medications, physical therapies, and in rare cases orthopedic surgery. Self-care such as a healthy diet and regular exercise can also aid in the management of JIA.

For additional information on the cause, symptoms, and treatments of JIA please visit an online doctor at SecondOpinions.com, for your peace of mind.