Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and JIA
This page describes the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the diagnosis of arthritis. An MRI is a type of imaging test that produces… Read More
Juvenile enthesitis-related arthritis (ERA)
Juvenile enthesitis-related arthritis includes swelling and pain where tendons and ligaments attach to bone. It affects more boys than girls. ERA is a type of… Read More
Helping your teen take control
This page describes how to help your teen take control of the health care. Help them handle stress and make sure to have effective communication… Read More
Getting through the teen years
This page contains information to help parents cope with their increasingly independent teen. As your teenager moves through adolescence, they will become more independent and… Read More
Footwear and orthotics for JIA
Proper footwear is key to supporting your joints and body. Generally speaking, a good shoe is one that can be securely fastened, has a shock… Read More
Eye problems and JIA
Take a detailed look at the types of eye conditions that can occur in young people with arthritis. These conditions include uveitis, cataracts and glaucoma. Learn… Read More
Exercise and JIA
Talk with your physiotherapist or doctor about the best types of exercise for you. Doing the wrong kind of exercise can actually cause more pain… Read More
Enthesitis-related JIA
Enthesitis (say: en-the-si-tis)-related JIA involves inflammation in both the joints and the entheses, which are the spots where tendons or ligaments attach to bones. Enthesitis-related… Read More
Eating healthy
In "Nutrition and JIA," we discussed the importance of eating healthy because of JIA. Keep in mind, though, that eating a nutritious diet is important… Read More
Diagnosing JIA
Several exams and tests are done in order to diagnose arthritis. A complete medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and imaging studies such as MRI… Read More
Dental care and JIA
JIA can affect your neck or jaw, and this can affect your dental health. If you have difficulty moving your jaw or neck, it can… Read More
Dealing with bullying
Bullying is repeated, aggressive behaviour towards one person from another person or a group of other people. Bullying is hurtful. It can occur in many… Read More
Eye care and JIA
Most patients with eye inflammation do not have any symptoms. Untreated eye inflammation (uveitis) can lead to scarring of the eye, glaucoma (increased eye pressure),… Read More
Corticosteroid joint injections for JIA
If you have JIA that doesn’t get better with other drugs, and if only a few joints are affected, your doctor may suggest that you… Read More
Diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
Several exams and tests are done in order to diagnose arthritis. A complete medical history, physical exam, blood tests, and imaging studies such as MRI and… Read More
Exercise and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Regular exercise can help children and teens manage their JIA. Learn more about different exercises including range of motion exercises, stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercise. The… Read More
Encouraging healthy lifestyle habits
Exercising regularly, eating well and sleeping well are all important parts of proper JIA management. Learn how to encourage your teen to be healthy. Encourage… Read More
Encouraging healthy coping behaviours
Encourage healthy coping behaviours in your teen with these expert tips. Reinforce and strengthen positive behaviours, through the use of praise and attention. It may… Read More
Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for JIA
When other treatments cannot control your joint inflammation, your doctor may give you disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). They can help manage the inflammation. They can… Read More
Corticosteroids for JIA
Corticosteroids are often called steroids. However, the word steroid can be confusing. Corticosteroids are very different from the steroids some athletes take to do better… Read More
Arthritis associations
This page provides information about leading arthritis organizations in Canada. There are many arthritis organizations in Canada that can help you and your teenager get… Read More
Blood tests and JIA
Blood tests are used to help diagnose and monitor JIA. They can help your doctor determine the type of JIA you have. Blood tests are… Read More
Biologic agents and JIA
Biologic agents are a new group of highly effective drugs for JIA. They target key steps in the immune system that cause inflammation in the… Read More
Coping with symptoms, stress, flare-ups and setbacks
There are a number of ways you can learn to cope with stress related to JIA. Several of these have been covered in previous sections.… Read More