What are the different types of arthritis in children?
When a school is notified that a child has JIA, it is likely s/he will have been diagnosed with a particular type of the condition. It is helpful to know how different types may affect children, although this does vary. Oligoarthritis This is the most common form of arthritis in children and also the mildest. Inflammation affects only a few joints (up to four) at first, but may later spread in some children to other joints (this is called ‘extended oligoarthritis’). Children with oligoarthritis need regular eye tests to check for a condition called ‘uveitis’. This is inflammation in the eye, which can cause permanent damage and even blindness if not treated early. Usually there are no symptoms until damage has been caused, hence the importance of regular eye tests. These are likely to involve some time off school. Polyarthritis This means more than four joints are affected in the first 6 months of illness. Children with polyarthritis are tested for a blood marker, the rheumatoid factor
