3. Diagnosing JIA

Undifferentiated arthritis This means your child’s symptoms do not fit neatly into any one of the other types of JIA.

A formal diagnosis of JIA should always come from a specialist paediatric rheumatologist working within a multidisciplinary team. However, prior to this, sometimes a suggested diagnosis may come via a physiotherapist, occupational therapist, paediatrician, podiatrist or GP etc.

To get a diagnosis for your child you will need to provide the specialist with a history of symptoms such as swelling, pain etc. A clinical examination will be made, which involves looking at, feeling and moving every joint.