 JIA Questions
and Answers
Q: Is JIA inherited?
A: While genetics may play a part in
some forms of JIA, it is not regarded
as heredity
and having one child with JIA does not
mean your other children will get it
Q: What does the future look like for
my child?
A:It is impossible to predict the exact prognosis for your child but about
70% of all children with JIA will no longer have active symptoms by the time
they enter adulthood
Q: Aren’t I too young to have arthritis?
A: Arthritis is not just an old person's
disease. It can occur to anyone at anytime.
1 in 1000 children under 16 are diagnosed
with JIA
Q:What are the main symptoms of JIA?
A: The main symptoms of JIA are pain, swelling,
tenderness, stiffness and redness and
warmth in and around the affected joints
Q: How do children get this disease
A: While the cause of JIA is still unknown,
there is nothing you could have done
to prevent it
Q: What is the treatment for JIA?
A: Everyone is different and what works
for one child won't work for another.
Over time you will learn to understand
how your child’s JIA affects them
and the non-verbal indicators of how
they are feeling
Q: Who will be involved in my childs health
care?
A: The management of JIA is a team approach.
Take guidance from all members of the team
to make the best decisions for your child
Q: What medicines will my child need to
take?
A: Medicines are a major part of the treatment
of JIA and your child may need to take
more than one type of medicine
Q: What side effects will the medicines
have?
A: All medicines have potential side-effects
but without medicines, permanent joint
damage and a poorer outcome is more likely
Q: Can my child still exercise and play?
A: Appropriate exercise is an important
part of the overall management of JIA
to keep joints and muscles healthy. A
physiotherapist can help determine which
exercises and sports are suitable for
your child
Q: Where can I get support?
A: Look through our website and call us
on 1800 011 041 with any of your questions
or concerns.
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