Rheumatic disease may not be as widely recognized as chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or cancer, but it encompasses a group of disorders that affect the joints. These conditions often involve more than just the joints, commonly impacting the tendons, ligaments, bones, and muscles as well.

Despite its lesser-known stature, rheumatic diseases are incredibly common. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) says that more than 58.5 million Americans have been diagnosed with a rheumatic disease. The most common rheumatic disease is rheumatoid arthritis, but the category also includes psoriatic arthritis, lupus, ankylosing spondylitis, and many more. More than 200 types of rheumatic disease have been identified.

Children & Rheumatic Disease

Rheumatic disease is often thought of as a condition that affects adults, but children can be impacted as well. The ACR estimates that approximately 300,000 children in the United States are living with a rheumatic disease. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatic condition in children, though several other rheumatic diseases can also occur in pediatric patients, including the following:

• Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus). This disease often impacts the skin, joints, nervous system, kidneys, and more but can impact any body part. It causes joint pain, rash, fatigue, fever, and other concerning symptoms.

• Juvenile scleroderma. This most commonly causes inflammation, tightness, and rigidity of the skin but can also impact other organs.

• Vasculitis. This causes inflammation in the blood vessels and leads to joint pain and swelling. Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) and Kawasaki disease are common forms of vasculitis in kids.

• Juvenile Myositis. This disease is characterized by muscle weakness and inflammation in the neck, shoulders, hips, and core and often causes rashes around the joints or on the eyelids.

 Autoimmune Diseases

 Most rheumatic diseases seen in children are autoimmune conditions. In these disorders, the immune system — which normally protects the body — becomes misdirected and begins attacking healthy tissues, such as the joints, muscles, and tendons. In many cases, the exact cause is not known, which can be frustrating for both parents and children. However, certain factors may trigger or increase a child’s risk, such as a family history of autoimmune disease or another autoimmune condition.

Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

Because rheumatic diseases are less common in children than in adults, their symptoms can sometimes be easy to overlook. Parents play an important role in early recognition by watching for potential warning signs and discussing any concerns with their child’s pediatrician. Being aware of the following signs and symptoms can help guide timely evaluation and diagnosis:

• Joint pain, swelling, or stiffness that is continuous for more than six weeks

• Joint symptoms that occur in more than one joint

• Stiffness that is worse in the early morning

• Warmth and redness in the joints

• Loss of range of motion

• Long-lasting or recurrent fevers

• Eye dryness, redness, or light sensitivity

• Shortness of breath

• Frequent diarrhea

How to Help Your Child

If you notice any of these symptoms occurring frequently, or in combination, it is important to schedule a visit with your child’s pediatrician to discuss the possibility of a rheumatic disease. Although these conditions are relatively rare in children, the good news is that treatments have advanced significantly in recent years. Today, cutting-edge therapies — including biologic medications and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) — have transformed care and greatly improved outcomes for many children.

Once a proper diagnosis is made, your child’s healthcare team can offer guidance to help manage symptoms and improve overall quality of life. Lifestyle adjustments and at-home strategies — such as regular exercise, physical therapy, maintaining a healthy weight, and using heat or cold therapy and massage — can significantly ease day-to-day discomfort. While there is currently no cure, children with rheumatic disease can go on to lead healthy and happy lives with the right care plan and ongoing support.