More than 1,000 children suffer from arthritis

ARTHRITIS affects more than 1,000 children in Ireland, and the incidence of juvenile arthritis (JA) is as common as childhood diabetes.

However, some children are embarrassed to admit that they have the painful joint disease because it is more commonly associated with older people.

Children with arthritis face a range of challenges — physical, social and emotional but, with early intervention and appropriate supports, they can lead independent and fulfilling childhoods.