Support for living with JIA

JIA-at-NRAS is a part of the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). We provide information and support services for those affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), their families, friends, carers, and health professionals. About us. 

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About Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

All our information on Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, what it is, how it’s managed and living with the condition.

  1. What is JIA?

    JIA means there is inflammation in a child’s joints that isn’t caused by any other condition.

  2. Symptoms of JIA

    JIA is more than just painful joints. There are a number of symptoms that may be experienced and age is a big factor in this.

  3. JIA Diagnosis

    There are a number of different investigations used in diagnoses, including blood tests and scans, along with a discussion about symptoms.

  4. JIA Medication

    JIA is an auto-immune condition, so the main drugs used to control it are drugs called ‘immunosuppressants’.

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Your Stories

Summer’s story – a mother’s perspective of life with JIA

Summer was 7 when she first complained of aches and pains in her legs. I put it down to growing pains which I remember having myself as a child. These pains went on for weeks and progressively became worse, so I made an appointment with our local GP who suggested she had a blood test.

Lucien’s Story

When I look at a photograph of my boy just before his 3rd birthday, he’s like a live wire, bursting with energy. That’s the way we see young kids. Yet my kid has what’s called Systemic Onset Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis which is the rarest form of JIA and can have the greatest impact.

Yes, kids can get it too

I’m going to be honest, I’m awful at writing about myself. I find it awkward and I’m never sure if I’m too whiny, or if it comes across that I’m trying too hard to be light-hearted and just ends up sounding absolutely miserable as a result. I am a worrier by nature, so I of course panicked when I was told that I had developed a disease.

Bella’s story

At 18 months old, Isabella-May woke up feeling poorly with a high temperature and sickness – nothing overly concerning. By the next day she was limping and still poorly so we took her to the GP who decided she had an ear infection. A week passed and she still wasn’t right. She was barely moving and limping when she did.

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Because of your generous donations JIA-at-NRAS will continue to be there for everyone affected by JIA.

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