Health Tip: Signs That Your Child May Have Juvenile Arthritis

(HealthDay News) -- Joint pain may be a common complaint among children, but prolonged joint pain accompanied by swelling can be signs of juvenile arthritis.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says common symptoms of juvenile arthritis include:

• Joint pain that is worse in the morning and improves during the day. A child may limp or complain that their hands and feet hurt.

• Swelling in the joints and lymph nodes.

• Irritability, fatigue or apathy toward playing with others.

• A "hot" sensation in the joints, and weakness of the muscles and tissues surrounding the joints.

• A very high fever and a light pink rash, which occur infrequently and tend to go away quickly.