(HealthDay News) — When children complain about the pain of stiff, swollen joints, they may have juvenile arthritis.
Although the disease affects each child differently, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says there are some common warning signs. It offers this list:
- Joint pain that is worse in the morning and eases later in the day.
- Pain in the knees, feet and hands.
- Pain that forces your child to limp in the morning.
- Swelling in the joints or lymph nodes.
- Joints that are inflamed and feel warm when touched.
- Irritability, fatigue, and loss of interest in playtime activities.
- A high fever and/or pink skin rash.