Growing older is associated with more aches and more pains.

Doing yard work can make you sore for days; exercising makes you aware of joint and muscles that you did not know you had. Doing routine chores is a bit more difficult, and it takes our bodies longer to recover. While this is normal for aging bodies, many children also feel this frustrating physical pain or discomfort.

It begins as discomfort, but soon, juvenile arthritis can become severe and even disabling.

Juvenile arthritis causes joints to become inflamed, which limits their range of motion. It is an autoimmune disease which can affect the rate of growth in children because it strikes just when young bodies are growing. The effects can be minor or severe, depending on the child and the type of juvenile arthritis from which they suffer.

Joint stiffness that is apparent upon waking up in the morning is a very common sign of this disease.

This and other signs may indicate that a child has juvenile arthritis. Since there is no one single test for this disease, doctors must rule out other possible causes for joint stiffness and pain. Barring other conditions, and providing the symptoms last for six weeks or more, then the child is usually diagnosed with juvenile arthritis.

A specialist in juvenile arthritis, or a pediatric rheumatologist, is often called upon to make the final diagnosis.

When joints become inflamed, as they do with juvenile arthritis, it can be extremely painful. Children with this disease need to understand the physical limitations that they will have to live with. Parents can help by having a good understanding of the disease.

Three types of juvenile arthritis can afflict a young body. Pauciarticular juvenile arthritis affects four or fewer joints; polyarticular juvenile arthritis affects five or more joints; and systemic onset juvenile arthritis affects at least one joint and causes inflammation of internal organs as well.

The goal of juvenile arthritis treatment is to relieve pain and treat symptoms. First, inflammation must be controlled. It is also important to try to minimize joint damage and to retain mobility.

Exercising to keep the joints from tensing and becoming inflamed will be an element of a child's therapy.

Movements that relax the muscles and joints, such as yoga, are often very effective in treatment of juvenile arthritis. When used with relaxation techniques like meditation, it can help take tension away from the joints. Splints also do this. Since many children experience pain or stiffness in the morning, wearing splints at night can be very helpful.

It is important to consult with specialists in juvenile arthritis, particularly if the child's condition is severe.

Pediatric rheumatologists and primary care physicians are important members of the health team. Any and all signs of inflammation should be checked because juvenile arthritis can affect bodily functions.

Depression can also be a factor for children with juvenile arthritis. Often, they are not able to participate in the same activities as their peers, which can cause feelings of low self-worth or low self-esteem.

It is difficult to deal with arthritis, especially for children. Parents and caregivers need to help children acknowledge their disease and understand it. By focusing on what children can do instead of what they cannot, support people can offer encouragement to minimize the mental effects of this disease.

While juvenile arthritis is very painful and stressful, it is vital that stress and anxiety be reduced as much as possible. It interferes with the treatment process and quality of life for the child. Having a good understanding of juvenile arthritis and being supportive will help minimize stress.