I have joint pain! could this be juvenile arthritis?

Yes and no: Juvenile arthritis (ja) is an umbrella term used to describe the many autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that can develop in children ages 16 and younger. Arthritis typically affects joints -- the word “arthritis” literally means joint inflammation: arth (joint) and itis (inflammation) – but ja can involve the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract as well.

Joint pain and JA: Juvenile arthritis is defined as a child under 16 years old who has arthritis for greater than 6 weeks. Arthritis is diagnosis by physical exam demonstrating joint stiffness, swelling, and pain. There are other causes of joint pain that may not be due to arthritis.