What is Juvenile idiopathic arthritis?
'''Juvenile idiopathic arthritis''' (which is also called '''juvenile rheumatoid arthritis''') is a condition which affects people ages 16 and under. The problem consists of excess swelling around joints in the [[knee]]s, [[ankle]]s, wrists, [[hand]]s and feet. Symptoms consists of lethargy, strong [[pain]] and reduced physical activity. There is also stiffness in the morning which may improve later on during the day. Juvenile arthritis is an [[autoimmune disease]]. More boys than girls are affected and treatment includes pain-killers, physiotherapy and in extreme cases gold injections. It is not usually considered life-threatening but in 1976 a girl of 5 years was prescribed with steroids at Great Ormond Street Hospital to lessen her acute arthritic pain and died at home on 30th December after a swift attack of encephalitis. Her Death Certificate gives the cause of death as 'Still's Disease' a form of Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. {{biology-stub}} [[Category:Autoimmune diseases]] [[Category:Children]] [[Category:Diseases and disorders of joints]]