Preparing for an appointment

If your pediatrician or family doctor suspects that your child has juvenile idiopathic arthritis, he or she may refer you to a doctor who specializes in arthritis (rheumatologist) to confirm the diagnosis and explore treatment.

What you can do

Before the appointment, you might want to write a list that includes:

• Detailed descriptions of your child's symptoms
• Information about medical problems your child has had in the past
• Information about the medical problems that tend to run in your family
• All the medications and dietary supplements your child takes
• Your child's immunization status
• Questions you want to ask the doctor

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask some of the following questions:

• Which joints appear to be affected?
• When did the symptoms begin? Do they seem to come and go?
• Does anything make the symptoms better or worse?
• Is the joint stiffness worse after a period of rest?