Delayed juvenile arthritis diagnosis leaves kids in pain longer
Delays in diagnosing juvenile arthritis harm children, but a new awareness program helps doctors spot the signs faster.
Two-year-old Hazel cried when her parents lifted her out of bed. Hazel complained her knees and ankles hurt.
Hazel's physio quickly suspected juvenile arthritis. A blood test confirmed it.
She received steroid injections within days and felt much better. Sofia waited much longer.
Her repeated GP visits did not catch her arthritis. A midwife spotted the signs during an antenatal appointment when Sofia was about 16 months old.
Late diagnosis can cause permanent joint damage and eye problems. Paediatric rheumatologist Jeffrey Chaitow says a stiff, swollen, sore joint can be a sign.
The Juvenile Arthritis Foundation is expanding a national early diagnosis program to help doctors identify the condition faster and make quick referrals to specialists.
- 2 years old
- Hazel's age at diagnosis
- About 16 months old
- Sofia's age at diagnosis
- Jeffrey Chaitow
- Paediatric rheumatologist
- Within 24 hours of blood test result
- Time to Hazel's treatment
Why it mattersEarly diagnosis and treatment let children with arthritis live active lives, but delays can cause permanent damage that affects them forever.
AustraliaAustralian parents and GPs are learning to recognise juvenile arthritis signs earlier, which reduces pain and prevents long-term harm.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 h ago
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