Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) refers to arthritis in childhood. It can affect children from the age of six months to 16 years. The majority of children with JIA only have a few joints that are affected – usually knees, ankles, wrists and fingers. Some children with JIA have many joints affected. JIA can also affect the skin, tendons, muscles and eyes.
Incidence
The incidence of JIA in Australia is 1 in 1000 children.
What causes JIA?
The body has an immune system that fights disease. In JIA, the body mistakes normal joints as foreign and attacks the joints. It is not understood how or why this happens.
Is there a cure for JIA?
There is no cure for JIA. However, with treatment and support most JIA can be controlled and children can lead full and active lives. Symptoms can last for months or years. Sometimes the symptoms go away on their own. This is called remission. Approximately half of children with JIA go into remission before they reach adulthood.
How is JIA managed?
Once a diagnosis of JIA is made, the doctor will coordinate a treatment plan that will most likely include exercise and medications to control the inflammation of the joints. Treatment may be altered as the JIA changes over time.
What can Arthritis Queensland do for children with JIA and their families?
Educators at Arthritis Queensland provide support to children with JIA and their families. Specific information is available for parents, children and teachers.
Each year, Arthritis Queensland sponsors children to attend a juvenile arthritis camp called Camp Footloose.
Contact Arthritis Queensland on 1800 011 041 and ask to speak to the Juvenile Arthritis Educator, or please send an email through for specific information.
JIA Menbership form
Broncos Sporting Scholarships
Studies into aerobic training in children with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) suggest that exercise is well tolerated, improves functional outcome, relieves pain, maintains joint range of movement, strengthens muscles, increases exercise capacity and improves confidence and mood. Arthritis Queensland in partnership with Broncos Charities Fund offer scholarships to children with JIA for access to sporting services and/or equipment.
The next round of scholarships is now open. For an application kit contact Jasmin on 1800 011 041 or email info@arthritis.org.au.
612 ABC Brisbane - Larissa's Story
Support Services
Livewire.org.au, an initiative of the Starlight Children’s Foundation, provides safe and supportive online communities for families affected by serious illness, chronic health condition or disability.
Arthritis QLD has partnered with Livewire to help young people living with JIA and their families gain peer support online.
Livewire facilitates connection, empathy and understanding between people who are experiencing similar situations by offering three safe and secure online communities featuring social networking tools and relevant content.
Livewire Members is a free, safe and fun online community designed especially for young people, aged over 10 and under 21, living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability. It’s a place where they can hang out, connect, share experiences, creatively express themselves and know that they are not alone.
Livewire Siblings is an online community for young people, aged over 10 and under 21, who have a brother or sister living with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability. It’s a place where young siblings can go to meet other siblings and share experiences with people who understand what they are going through.
Livewire Parents is an online community for parents and carers of a person with a serious illness, chronic health condition or disability. It’s a place where parents and carers can connect in a supportive and understanding environment.
MontroseAccess is a Queensland, state-wide, non government organisation which provides therapy, respite, and other support services for 600 clients with predominantly physical disabilities. Principal groups of diagnoses are Neuromuscular conditions and arthritis.
Children with arthritis can be referred to MontroseAccess. Referrals can be made by parents, educators, and health practitioners. There is referral information on the MontroseAccess website.
MontroseAccess manages children with arthritis through community based clinics in Brisbane and at the Gold Coast. The clinics are staffed by a Paediatric Rheumatologist and a team of allied health professionals, including a Physiotherapist and an Occupational Therapist. The Physiotherapist assesses the child’s needs and provides programs e.g. a warm water exercise program. The Occupational Therapist provides assessment and programs to support for the child’s independence and educational development.
Useful links
Royal Childrens Hospital - Melbourne Rheumatology department
Paediatric Rheumatology European Society
Media Release: Childhood arthritis is a different story - hidden problem revealed