Will I Outgrow It?
Unfortunately, juvenile arthritis is a chronic disease, which means it doesn’t go away over time. That probably isn’t what you want to hear, but don’t be too discouraged. The symptoms of juvenile arthritis can get better: Many treatments ease pain and swelling making it easier to move around. Others can help with rashes, fevers and nodules. The goal is stop your immune system from attacking your body, prevent long-term damage to your joints and organs, and to get as close to eliminating symptoms as possible.
In some cases, treatment is so successful symptoms disappear completely for months or even years – that’s called remission. While remission doesn’t last forever, it can be a welcome relief from troubling symptoms.
Throughout your life with juvenile arthritis, you will most likely experience good times and bad, flares and, possibly, periods of remission. When your symptoms aren’t bothering you, enjoy the moment. And when they do cause problems, just remember you will feel better again.
