When we think about arthritis, it’s usually in the context of adults. But what happens when kids are affected? If you’ve heard about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), you might be wondering how it differs from what adults experience. Let’s dive into the world of JIA, how it compares to Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), and what you need to know about managing joint pain in children.
What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is a type of arthritis that affects children under 16. Unlike Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), which is typically an adult condition, JIA presents some unique challenges and characteristics. The term “idiopathic” in JIA means that we don’t have a clear understanding of what causes it. However, we do know that it involves inflammation in the joints, which is why it’s grouped under autoimmune conditions.
[Read more…] about JIA v. RA: Key Differences