What is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?
A child with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis has irritation and inflammation of the joints. The immune system, which fights infection, mistakenly attacks joint tissue in the body, causing joint irritation and inflammation. Some children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis completely recover from the disease. A smaller number of children suffer chronic joint pain and joint deformities that limit activity for the rest of their lives.

What are the symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?
Symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis include joint pains (multiple joints), joint swelling, joint redness, joint tenderness, and warmth overlying the joint. Additional symptoms may include deformed joints, decreased range of motion, eye redness, fatigue, muscle weakness, rash, swollen glands, and weight loss.

How does the doctor treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis?
Treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis includes physical therapy, exercise, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids, and medications that suppress the immune system, such as etanercept.