When you think of arthritis, naturally the first thing that comes to mind is an older person – and with good reason, since artists is more common in people over the age of 45 – and especially over the age of 60.
But that doesn’t mean children can become afflicted by it.
Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) begins before age 16 and involves swelling in one or more joints lasting at least six weeks.
JIA includes several types of arthritis previously known as JRA. These different types of JIA are:
- Oligoarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Psoriatic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis—rheumatoid factor negative
- Polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis—rheumatoid factor positive
- Undifferentiated arthritis
- Enthesitis-related juvenile idiopathic arthritis
To read more about JIA, including causes and symptoms, click here!
So how can we do our part during this awareness month?
Read authentic stories
Sometimes, you just got to go straight to the source! Reading about someone’s personal experiences can be the best way to really learn what its like.
Sponsored by the Arthritis Foundation’s “Kids Get Arthritis, Too” campaign, click here to read stories from young kids with JIA and click here to read stories from teenagers with JIA!
And of course, it’s important to get the perspective of the ultimate caregivers – parents and guardians! – so click here for their perspective as well.
Get to Know Other Families Going Through JIA
Shared empathy can really be a lifeline – so for many, connecting and meeting with other families going through the same thing can be of great help.
Click here to learn the many opportunities for families to connect, including conferences, summits, camps for kids, parent support networks, and more!
Engage your Social Media Networks
Get your hangtags going! Use #CureArthritis and #KidsGetArthritis to get people talking. Use the following media tools to decorate up your social media account:
On Facebook: Click here for Arthritis Awareness Month Frame
And on Twitter: Click here to use the frame via Twibbon
And share your story on social media and join the #CureArthritis community by pushing out as much about it as you can!
