Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: Does It Affect Physical Appearance?

Some children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) may look different because they have growth problems. Depending on the severity of the disease and the joints involved, growth in affected joints may be too fast or too slow, causing one leg or arm to be longer than the other. Overall growth may also be slowed. JRA also may cause joints to grow unevenly or to one side. Doctors are exploring the use of growth hormones to treat these problems.

Children with JRA may also look different because of medication. Corticosteroids, a type of medication sometimes used to treat JRA, can result in weight gain and a round face. When the doctor stops giving the medication, these side effects may disappear.

Material provided by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. You may visit their website at www.nih.com.