Your Body On JA 

Many early juvenile arthritis (JA) symptoms can be confused for other diseases or injuries, so it may have taken your doctor a while to properly diagnose you. Even after you receive a diagnosis, it can still be tough figuring out what’s JA-related and what’s not. Maybe you’re tired because you stayed up too late studying or scrolling through Instagram, or you’re sore after playing a big game or a tough practice. Or maybe it’s all JA-related. 

Here’s some tell-tale JA symptoms to keep an eye out for:   

Pain: It’s normal to feel sore after a high-intensity workout or strenuous activity, but if you feel sore after waking up in the morning or after a nap, it’s most likely JA-related. Knees, hands, feet, neck or jaw joints are some of the most likely affected joints. JA-related pain tends to lessen after you get moving, and over-the-counter pain relief drugs like acetaminophen or ibuprofen may not help. Unlike pain caused by an injury or other illnesses, JA-related pain usually develops slowly. 

Stiffness: JA can cause stiff joints, particularly in the morning, but also tends to improve after some movement. You might find yourself struggling to carry out simple movements, like typing on the computer or opening doors.  

Swelling: Swelling or redness on the skin around painful joints is a sign of inflammation. Joints may feel hot or warm to the touch and swelling may persist for several days or come and go. Unlike swelling that happens right after a fall or injury during sports, JA-related inflammation tends to occur for no apparent reason.   

Fevers: Unlike fevers caused by viruses like the flu, JA-related fevers occur frequently, come on suddenly (sometimes even at the same time of day, and then disappear after a short time. They are generally accompanied by fatigue, but they don’t seem to happen along with symptoms of cold or stomach bugs. 

Rashes: JA can cause rashes, but they are very different from the kinds caused by allergic reactions, poison ivy or other skin conditions like eczema. Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) may cause faint pink rashes that develop over knuckles, across the cheeks and bridge of the nose, or on the trunk, arms and legs. They’re typically not itchy or oozing, and they may persist for days or weeks. Psoriatic arthritis may cause a scaly rash – usually behind the ears, eyelids, elbows, knees or scalp – and may appear long before or after painful joint symptoms. 

Weight loss:  JA can affect your appetite for several reasons – fatigue, side effects from medication, even a depressed mood. If you’ve noticed a recent change in appetite and you’re losing weight quickly and without trying, it could be JA-related.  

Eye problems: Pinkeye is common among children and teens, but persistent eye redness, pain or blurred vision may be a sign of serious JA-related complication called uveitis, or eye inflammation. If you notice any of unusual eye symptoms, tell your parents and your doctor right away.  

Fatigue and Sleep Problems: It’s one thing to be tired and sleepy because you stay up late on purpose – either from texting friends or doing homework. It’s another if pain from arthritis is weighing you down or making it harder for you to fall or stay asleep. Arthritis pain can zap energy and affect sleep quality, so if you notice that you’re tossing and turning at night because you can’t get comfortable, or you’re struggling to make it through the day for no apparent, tell your parents and doctors. Practicing healthy habits, like meditation, exercising and eating healthy can also help with fatigue and sleeplessness. You can also try creating a relaxing bed time routine, like taking a warm bath or listening to soothing music, installing black-out shades and making your bed a no-phone zone (sorry, but research shows that blue-light from phones can affect sleep quality), to help you get a better night’s rest.   

Juvenile arthritis is different for every teen, and each type of JA has its own unique set of symptoms. Learn more about your type of JA here.