Mojca Zajc Avramovič
Klinični oddelek za otroško alergologijo, revmatologijo in klinično imunologijo, Pediatrična klinika, Univerzitetni klinični center Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenija

Abstract

Joint pain in children is a common reason for pediatric consultation. While most cases are benign and transient, it is crucial to identify rare rheumatic diseases that may lead to lasting consequences. This article outlines the approach to a child with joint pain, including history taking, clinical examination, diagnostic procedures, and management of common pediatric rheumatic conditions such as juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal arthritis, chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, connective tissue diseases, systemic vasculitides, and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Emphasis is placed on early recognition, multidisciplinary care, and individualized treatment.

Key words: Joint pain, arthralgia, arthritis, pGALS; juvenile idiopathic arthritis, rheumatic fever, post-streptococcal arthritis, chronic nonbacterial osteomyelitis, systemic connective tissue diseases, vasculitides, Raynaud’s phenomenon