Skip to content 
Many parents worry about these symptoms. Recent studies show that arthritis affects more teens than you may think:
- The prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis among adolescents aged 10-14 increased slightly from 12.08 to 12.41 per 100,000 between 1990 and 2019.
- For teens aged 15-19, rates rose from 32.17 to 33.67 per 100,000.
- Globally, young people aged 10-24 saw rates rise from 34.11 to 36.34 per 100,000.
You are not alone if you feel concerned. Understanding these numbers can help you support your teen and seek help if needed.
Key Takeaways
- Arthritis in teenagers happens more often than people think. Around 220,000 kids under 18 in the U.S. have arthritis.
- Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the main type in teens. Finding it early and getting treatment can stop joint damage.
- Look for signs like joint pain, swelling, or stiffness. If these last over two weeks, see a doctor for help.
- Good habits like eating healthy, moving your body, and sleeping well can help control arthritis symptoms.
- Support groups, like online clubs and summer camps, give helpful tips and friends for teens with arthritis.
Arthritis in Teenagers Rare or Common
How Common Is It?
Some people think only older adults get arthritis. But teenagers can have it too. Doctors use numbers to see how common arthritis is. These numbers help compare different age groups. The rates show that arthritis in teenagers depends on age.
Here is a table that shows how often arthritis happens in kids and teens:
| Age Group | Prevalence (per 100,000) |
|---|---|
| <6 years | 77 |
| 12–17 years | 592 |
Teenagers have higher rates than younger kids. This means arthritis in teenagers is not as rare as many think. The chance goes up as kids get older.
Arthritis in teenagers is not very rare. But it is not super common either. Most teens do not have arthritis.
But thousands do. In the U.S., about 220,000 kids under 18 have arthritis. That is 305 out of every 100,000 kids. These numbers show arthritis in teenagers is not seen every day. But it is important to know the signs and help those who have it.
Key Statistics
You might wonder what makes arthritis in teenagers more or less common. Many things can change these numbers. Here is a table that shows some important facts:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | About 220,000 kids and teens aged 12-17 in the U.S. have arthritis. |
| Racial Disparities | Non-Hispanic Black kids have almost double the rate compared to White kids. |
| Parental Education | Kids have lower rates when parents have more education. |
| Mental Health | Kids with anxiety or depression have higher rates. |
| Socioeconomic Factors | Not having enough food, being overweight, and not moving much are linked to higher rates. |
Race, mental health, and family life all matter. Non-Hispanic Black kids have twice the rate as White kids. Teens with anxiety or depression also have higher rates.
Here are some recent facts about arthritis in teenagers:
- Arthritis affects 305 out of every 100,000 kids in the U.S.
- About 220,000 kids have been diagnosed.
- Non-Hispanic Black kids have higher rates than White kids.
- Other health problems include depression, anxiety, being overweight, not moving much, and not having enough food.
Things have changed over the last ten years. For example:
- More girls aged 12-15 got juvenile idiopathic arthritis from 2000 to 2013.
- Boys’ rates stayed about the same during this time.
- Girls had the highest rates in their teen years. Boys did not show big changes.
- COVID-19 led to fewer JIA cases, but more research is needed.
Arthritis in teenagers is not easy to explain. Rates change with age, gender, race, and other things. If your teen has symptoms, talk to a doctor. Getting help early can make things better.
Types of Arthritis in Teens
Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)
Doctors often talk about Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, called JIA. JIA is the most common arthritis in teens and kids.
The cause of JIA is not known. It can last for a long time. Sometimes it stays for months or years. JIA is not just one illness. It has different types that hurt joints in different ways.
Here is a table with the main types of JIA:
| Type of Arthritis | Description |
|---|---|
| Oligoarticular Arthritis | Affects a few big joints, is often mild, and can cause eye problems. |
| Polyarticular Arthritis | Hurts many joints, looks like adult rheumatoid arthritis, happens more in girls. |
| Systemic Arthritis | Starts with fever and rash, can hurt organs. |
| Enthesitis-Related Arthritis | Hurts places where tendons join bones, is more common in boys. |
| Psoriatic Arthritis | Linked to psoriasis, can start with skin or joint problems. |
JIA is seen more than other arthritis types in teens. Doctors find JIA much more often than other kinds. If you ask, “Is arthritis in teenagers rare or common?” JIA is why most cases happen in this age group.
If your teen has joint pain, swelling, or stiffness for weeks, talk to a doctor. Getting help early can stop joint damage.
Other Types (Osteoarthritis, Psoriatic)
Most teens with arthritis have JIA. Other types, like osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, are rare in teens. Osteoarthritis is common in older adults.
It comes from joints wearing out over time. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease. It can cause joint pain and changes in the skin.
Here is a table showing how these two types are different:
| Feature | Osteoarthritis (OA) | Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Cartilage wears down | Immune system attacks healthy cells |
| Symptoms | Stiffness, swelling, pain, bone spurs | Psoriasis, joint stiffness, inflammation |
| Affected Areas | Hands, hips, feet, knees, spine | Skin, nails, back, and joints |
| Onset of Symptoms | Worse at the end of the day | Worse in the morning |
| Additional Symptoms | Less movement | Tiredness, nail changes, warmth in joints |
Osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis do not happen much in teens. Doctors see these types less than JIA. If you see joint pain with skin or nail changes, tell your doctor. This can help them find the right answer.
Causes and Risk Factors
Genetics
Some teens get arthritis, but others do not. Genes are a big reason for this. If someone in your family has arthritis, your risk is higher.
Certain genes can make arthritis more likely. These genes can change how your immune system works. Some genes are linked to juvenile idiopathic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Here is a table that lists important genetic factors:
| Genetic Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| HLA Genes | Changes in these genes raise the risk for JIA and rheumatoid arthritis. |
| TNFalpha Gene | Changes in this gene are tied to systemic juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. |
| HLA Variations | Close family with these changes have a higher chance of getting RA. |
| Genetic Contribution | Genes cause about half of the risk for rheumatoid arthritis. |
| Susceptibility Loci | Scientists found 14 new gene spots linked to JIA. |
If you have these genes, your risk is higher. But genes do not decide everything. Many teens with these genes never get arthritis.
Environment and Lifestyle
Your daily life and where you live also matter. Even with risky genes, outside things can trigger arthritis. Some things around you may start the disease.
Infections in your first year can raise your risk for JIA. Scientists did not find a strong link between breastfeeding and JIA.
Here are some key facts about environment and lifestyle:
- Environmental things can trigger arthritis in teens with risky genes.
- Infections early in life can raise the risk of JIA.
- Breastfeeding does not have a strong link to JIA.
- Most of the risk for JIA comes from things other than genes.
- There is more proof for environmental links to rheumatoid arthritis than JIA.
You can lower your risk by staying healthy. Eat good food, move your body, and try to avoid infections. If your family has arthritis, watch for symptoms and talk to your doctor early.
Knowing your family history and having healthy habits can help you find problems early and get the right care.
Symptoms to Watch For
Common Signs
You may notice several signs if your teen has arthritis. These symptoms can change from day to day. Sometimes, they get worse during flare-ups. You should pay attention to how your teen feels and moves. Here are the most common signs:
- Pain and stiffness in joints
- Swelling in joints
- Warmth to the touch in affected areas
- Symptoms that can vary from day to day
- Occurrence of flare-ups
Teens often feel joint pain in their knees, wrists, or ankles. Morning stiffness usually gets better after moving around. Swelling can happen in more than one joint. Fatigue may make it hard for your teen to keep up with school or sports. Some teens get a fever or rash.
Here is a table that shows how symptoms in teenagers differ from those in adults:
| Symptom Type | Teenagers (Juvenile Arthritis) | Adults (General Arthritis) |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Pain | Persistent pain in knees, wrists, ankles | Varies by type of arthritis |
| Morning Stiffness | Stiffness that improves with movement | Often more severe and prolonged |
| Swelling | Swelling in multiple joints | Can be localized or generalized |
| Fatigue | Fatigue affects daily activities and school | Fatigue may vary in intensity |
| Systemic Symptoms | Fever or rash in some cases | Less common in adult arthritis |
If you see these signs, keep track of when they happen and how long they last. This information helps your doctor find the best care for your teen.
When to See a Doctor
You should talk to a doctor if your teen shows warning signs that do not go away. Early treatment can prevent joint damage and help your teen stay active.
Watch for these signs:
- Limping or trouble walking
- Stiffness upon awakening
- Reluctance to use an arm or leg
- Reduced activity level
- Persistent fever
- Joint swelling
- Difficulty with fine motor activities
- Pain, stiffness, swelling, or redness of joints
- Low-grade fevers
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
Doctors use several steps to diagnose arthritis. They ask about your teen’s medical history and family background.
They check for swelling, redness, and movement in the joints. Blood tests and urinalysis help rule out other problems. Imaging scans like X-rays or MRI show if there is joint damage.
If your teen has joint pain, swelling, or trouble moving for more than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor. Early help can make a big difference.
Treatment and Management
Medical Options
There are different ways to treat arthritis in teenagers. Doctors usually start with medicine to help with pain and swelling.
Here are some common medical options:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medications (NSAIDs): These drugs help lower pain and swelling. Many teens use NSAIDs first.
- Corticosteroids (Injections): Doctors may give these shots for fast relief in certain joints. They work right where it hurts.
- Biologics: These medicines work on the immune system to stop swelling. You get them as a shot or through an IV.
- Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs): These drugs slow down the disease and protect joints. Using DMARDs early, like methotrexate, helps teens with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Using both biologic and regular DMARDs early can help even more and lower disease activity.
Doctors might also suggest vitamins or special foods. Some teens try acupuncture or yoga for pain and stress. Always check with your doctor before trying new treatments.
Getting treatment early can keep your joints safe and help you stay active.
Lifestyle Support
You can make choices every day to help manage arthritis. Healthy habits work with your medicine and help you feel better.
- Eat a good diet: Pick whole foods, fruits, and vegetables. These foods give your body what it needs.
- Exercise regularly: Easy activities like swimming or walking keep your joints moving and muscles strong.
- Get enough sleep: Good sleep helps your body heal and makes you feel happier.
- Manage your pain: Take your medicine as your doctor says and ask about other ways to feel better.
Being active has many good effects. Here is a table that shows how exercise helps teens with arthritis:
| Benefit of Physical Activity | Description |
|---|---|
| Improves Physical Fitness | Makes you stronger and healthier |
| Enhances Mental Health | Helps you feel happier and less stressed |
| Improves Sleep Quality | Helps you sleep better |
| Increases Quality of Life | Makes daily life better |
| Addresses Pain and Fatigue | Lessens pain and helps you feel less tired |
Staying active, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep can really help you feel better each day.
You might ask if arthritis in teenagers is rare or common. It is not rare, but most teens can handle it with good care. Many teens get much better if they start treatment early. Less than half stop needing medicine, but many still do lots of things. Support groups and programs help teens and families learn and meet others.
| Support Resource | Description |
|---|---|
| Club Sunrise | Online fun for youth with arthritis |
| Summer Camps | Events where families meet in person |
| Learning Hub | Classes for parents and teens |
If you see symptoms, talk to your doctor soon. Getting help early makes things better. Stay positive—many teens do well with care and support.
FAQ
What causes arthritis in teenagers?
You may have a higher risk if your family has arthritis. Genes, infections, and lifestyle choices can all play a role. Sometimes, doctors cannot find a clear cause.
Can teenagers with arthritis play sports?
You can stay active with arthritis. Low-impact sports like swimming or biking help your joints. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new activity.
How do doctors diagnose arthritis in teens?
Doctors ask about your symptoms and family history. They check your joints and may order blood tests or X-rays. Early diagnosis helps you get the right treatment.
Will arthritis in teenagers go away?
Some teens outgrow arthritis, but others need long-term care. Early treatment helps you manage symptoms and protect your joints. Many teens live active lives with the right support.
