When we hear the word arthritis, many of us think of adult or elderly patients with joint pain and stiffness. But did you know that arthritis is a condition that affects about one in 1,000 children and teenagers in Canada—a total of 10,000 young people?
Children and teenagers get a type of arthritis called Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). "Juvenile" means young (16 years of age or younger) and "idiopathic" means that the cause is not known. JIA was previously called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA). Arthritis is an inflammation of the synovial membrane which lines joints like the knees or ankles. When it becomes inflamed, fluid is produced. The joints can become stiff, swollen, painful, and warm to the touch. Over time, inflammation in a joint can damage the cartilage and bone.
Here are six other interesting facts about JIA that may surprise you: