World Arthritis Day marks the beginning of Bone and Joint Action Week! More than half of Americans over 18 are affected by bone and joint conditions, which often lead to chronic pain and physical disability. The goal of Bone and Joint Action Week is to bring awareness to the host of musculoskeletal diseases that affect so many people each year.

There are 3 common types of arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and juvenile arthritis. Juvenile arthritis is not a disease itself but refers to a variety of rheumatic conditions that affect the joints and is usually an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its healthy cells.

The following are the different types of Juvenile Arthritis:

  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – The most common of the juvenile arthritis, JIA usually begins before the age of 16. Those with JIA have one or more joints that become inflamed for at least 6 weeks. Other symptoms may include stiffness, warmth, tenderness, joint erosion, fever, or rash.
  • Juvenile scleroderma – This condition causes the skin to harden and includes a systemic type that affects the heart, lung, and other internal organs.
  • Juvenile dermatomyositis – An inflammatory disease that causes a rash on knuckles and eyelids, muscle weakness and joint pain.
  • Juvenile lupus – An autoimmune disease that affects the joints, kidneys, skin, and blood.
  • Fibromyalgia – A chronic pain condition related to arthritis that can cause stiffness, achiness, sleep disruption and fatigue.
  • Kawasaki disease – An inflammatory disease that usually begins with a fever, rashes and swelling and later causes heart complications.
  • Mixed connective tissue disease – A disease that combines symptoms of lupus, scleroderma and arthritis.

Although each condition has unique symptoms, joint pain and swelling is a common symptom that can indicate an underlying problem. If your child complains of joint pain, or you suspect arthritis, consult with a medical professional. At Podiatry Center of New Jersey, Dr. Russell Samofal treats all types of foot and ankle conditions for patients of all ages in the Passaic County area. Please call our Wayne office at (973) 925-4111 to schedule an appointment!