Introduction:
Musculo-skeletal pain is not uncommon in children. Though commonly this is due to a benign process called "growing pains", arthritis can afflict children as well. Arthritis (inflammation in the joints) has been described in children as young as 1 year. For the sake of classification, arthritis occurring in the age groups up-to 16 years is called "Juvenile Arthritis".
Almost all the types of arthritis that have been described in adults have also been described in children. In all there are easily more than 50 different types of arthritis that can develop in children. This communication discusses the presentation and principles of management of the common varieties.

What are the complaints?
In infants and toddlers it may be difficult to elicit symptoms. Inability to use a limb or part of the limb, excessive crying when the affected portion is touched, limp while walking may all be the initial symptoms. Often these are persistent over a period of few weeks. Along with this there could be low grade to high-grade fever, lack of appetite and loss of weight. Arthritis although primarily involves the joints can present with symptoms and signs of other system involvement.

What are the other systems that can be involved?
Almost any other system can be involved. However it is important to note that only a proportion and not all patients with juvenile arthritis get all the various manifestations mentioned. The organ systems that can be involved often depend on the type of arthritis. This will be dealt with when individual disorders are discussed.