When people hear about rheumatoid arthritis, they often picture an older adult struggling with joint pain. But what many don’t realize—and what I’ve seen far too often in my practice as a Rheumatology nurse practitioner—is that rheumatoid arthritis in teenagers: what to know is a whole different world. It’s a journey full of surprises, setbacks,…
As a Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) expert, I’ve often been asked, “Can children develop rheumatoid arthritis?” The short answer is yes, children can indeed develop rheumatoid arthritis, though it’s less common than in adults. Known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) or juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), this condition affects children under the age of 16 and can…
If you’re a parent, hearing that your child has rheumatoid arthritis can feel overwhelming. But don’t worry—this guide will walk you through what you need to know about this condition and how to support your child effectively. What is Rheumatoid Arthritis in Children? Rheumatoid arthritis in children is a chronic autoimmune condition. Basically, the immune…