Other forms of arthritis affecting children

There are several other forms of arthritis that can affect children and these are distinct from JIA, although in the early stages are indistinguishable from JIA. Spondyloarthropathy is a family of related diseases causing a form of arthritis. It includes ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis, spondyloarthropathy associated with inflammatory bowel disease, reactive arthritis, and Behcet's syndrome. They are distinct from JIA in that the optimal treatment, monitoring and outcome are different.

Adult-type rheumatoid arthritis can also develop in early teenagers. This will need to be treated aggressively and this type of arthritis is life-long.