How to Diagnose Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Arthritis is a medical condition that is most commonly associated with adults and, particularly, the elderly. It is an inflammation of the joints that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the affected joints. Though not common, children are sometimes stricken with the condition. This is known as juvenile arthritis.

Arthritis is a general term for a host of joint-related and rheumatic conditions of which there are over 100 different types. Although children are technically able to develop the same types of arthritis that adults do, the most common type of juvenile arthritis diagnosed is juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is a swelling of the joints that can cause stiffness, swelling, soreness and limited mobility. Though arthritis as a whole is most often associated with joints, it can also affect other parts of the body, particularly muscles, bones, tendons and ligaments. The actual cause of juvenile arthritis is not known. Genetics may play a role.

Since juvenile arthritis is less a disease as it is a medical condition, diagnosis must often be done through a thorough consultation that will include a careful examination of the patient's medical history and evaluation by a pediatric rheumatologist. If physical examination is not enough, some lab tests to examine blood and/or urine may be required. In some types of arthritis, certain antibodies will be present in the blood. Identifying these antibodies can help the doctor make a more precise diagnosis. For closer examination of potentially-involved joints or organs, x-rays or magnetic scans may also be ordered by the physician.