Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Children and young adults with joint swelling, limping or morning stiffness deserve careful review, not reassurance that it will pass. I look for the inflammatory arthritis pattern, and for young adults with known childhood arthritis I help with the move into adult care.
What juvenile idiopathic arthritis is
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is inflammatory arthritis that begins before age 16 and lasts at least six weeks after other causes are excluded. It has several subtypes and can affect joints, eyes, skin and general wellbeing.
Symptoms to look out for
Swollen, warm or painful joints
Morning stiffness, limping or reduced movement
Fatigue or reduced activity
Fever or rash in systemic forms
Eye inflammation, sometimes without obvious symptoms
Why this matters to a rheumatologist
Ongoing rheumatology care aims to control inflammation, protect growth and joint function, screen for eye inflammation and support transition into adult care where needed.
Signs I would like you to seek care for
For emergency symptoms please seek urgent or emergency care first rather than waiting for a WhatsApp reply.
Joint swelling lasting weeks
Limping, stiffness or refusal to use a limb
Eye redness, pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision
Known JIA needing adult-care transition
What a specialist review looks like
I clarify age and scope, review previous diagnosis and medications, examine joints, screen for extra-articular symptoms, and coordinate with paediatric teams or adult rheumatology follow-up as appropriate.
Questions my patients often ask me
Speak with me
If you are worried about a child or young adult with joint swelling, stiffness or inflammatory symptoms, WhatsApp my clinic and we can help you decide whether a rheumatology assessment is the right next step.
Other conditions I treat
This page is for general education only and does not replace medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.