### Symptoms of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), also known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is a condition that causes persistent joint swelling, pain, and stiffness. These symptoms are usually worse in the morning or after a nap. Here are some common symptoms: - **Joint Symptoms**: Persistent swelling, pain, and stiffness in the joints, especially in the knees, hands, and feet. The pain may limit movement, and some children may not complain of pain. - **Limping**: One of the earliest signs is limping in the morning due to a stiff knee. - **Systemic Symptoms**: In systemic JIA, children may experience a high fever and a light skin rash that can appear and disappear quickly. Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck and other parts of the body may also occur. In rare cases, internal organs like the heart and lungs may be affected. - **Eye Inflammation**: Children with pauciarticular JIA may develop eye inflammation, such as iritis and uveitis, which usually occur some time after the initial onset of JIA. - **Growth Problems**: Some children may experience growth problems, with affected joints and adjacent bones growing too fast or too slow. This can result in one leg or arm being longer than the other, and overall growth may be slower than normal. Jaw abnormalities can also occur. - **Remissions and Flare-ups**: Symptoms can vary, with periods of remission where symptoms improve or disappear, and flare-ups where symptoms worsen. The condition is different for each child; some may have only a few flare-ups, while others may have persistent symptoms. Doctors are exploring treatments, including the use of growth hormones, to address growth problems associated with JIA.