Kids get arthritis, too. As unlikely as it may seem, elderly individuals aren't the only ones deeply affected by the inflammatory condition. July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, during which health professionals and advocacy groups work tirelessly to raise awareness about the condition that's affecting the lives of thousands of children.

Juvenile arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe the numerous inflammatory and autoimmune conditions of pediatric rheumatic diseases, effecting nearly 300,000 U.S. children under the age of 16.

While some types of juvenile arthritis affect the musculoskeletal system, others can affect the eyes, skin, muscles and gastrointestinal tract. Arthritis, which means joint inflammation, is a complex collection of musculoskeletal disorders, with more than 100 different diseases or conditions that diminishes bones, joints, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues.

According to the CDC, three clinical classification schemes exist: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), juvenile chronic arthritis and juvenile idiopathic arthritis. The most common form of juvenile arthritis in the U.S. is JRA. Some other types are juvenile dermatomyositis, juvenile lupus, juvenile scleroderma, Kawasaki disease, mixed connective tissue disease and fibromyalgia. These conditions can hamper or halt physical movement, and if left untreated some forms of arthritis can lead to death.

The Arizona State University's Chicana and Chicano Studies department once led a project to learn the exact figures for how many Latino children have juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, but ran into funding issues.

However, via a cross-sectional analysis on disease outcomes in juvenile idiopathic arthritis patients of different races, researchers learned that Hispanic and Latino children had increased odds of having disability when compared to other children. Nevertheless, that was only the case when the analysis group was limited to children with polyarticular-course juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Conclusively, they found that race and ethnicity were variably associated with joint damage, pain, and functional ability.

Health professional have been unable to pinpoint a direct cause for most forms of juvenile arthritis. Neither toxins nor food nor allergies cause children to develop juvenile arthritis, but certain research has indicated children may have a genetic predisposition to juvenile arthritis. The most vital step in treating the incurable condition is an accurate diagnosis.

The diagnostic process is lengthy, involving a thorough physical exam and research into one's medical history. A doctor may perform a number of tests depending on which type of juvenile arthritis is suspected. While there is no cure, early diagnosis and aggressive treatment can encourage remission. Treatment, typically a combination of medication, physical activity, eye care and a healthy diet, can relieve inflammation, control pain and improve a child's quality of life.

The Juvenile Arthritis Conference, an annual family event hosted by the Arthritis Foundation, is an occasion where more than 1,000 kids, teens and young adults with arthritis, and their parents and siblings, convene to learn and play. The 2015 National JA Conference will take place in Orlando, Florida, July 23-26.

Additionally, the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases works with national partners to distribute culturally appropriate health material for underserved populations, informing them about science-based health materials and resources.

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