Yes, children can get arthritis. The most common type of arthritis found in children is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), also known as childhood arthritis or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.
Like other types of arthritis, JIA can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in one or more joints. Other symptoms may include fever, fatigue, rash, and loss of appetite. The disease damages joints, which can make it difficult to do everyday things such as walking, dressing, and playing. Damage caused by JIA is permanent, so early diagnosis and proper treatment are important to prevent or minimize permanent damage. Some children with JIA achieve permanent remission, which means the disease is no longer active.
