There’s Hope for Kids with Arthritis: Expert Advice for World Arthritis Day

As part of The Educated Patient’s coverage for World Arthritis Day, Julie Kimura, M.D., chief of pediatric rheumatology at Hackensack University Medical Center and professor of pediatrics at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine, shares a message of reassurance and hope for families facing a diagnosis of childhood arthritis. While the initial diagnosis can feel overwhelming and frightening, Kimura emphasizes that today’s treatments are safer, more effective and more personalized than ever before — helping children live active, fulfilling lives.

Kimura notes that early diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing long-term joint damage and disability. She explains that the earlier your child is diagnosed and starts treatment, the better their outcome. Although the idea of starting medications — especially those involving injections or infusions — can be intimidating, she stresses that these treatments have transformed the outlook for children with arthritis. Many are now able to manage symptoms effectively and return to the activities they love.

She also encourages families not to view treatment as permanent or one-size-fits-all. “No medication or treatment is forever,” she says. Decisions about continuing, changing or stopping treatment are made together with the rheumatologist, child and family during regular follow-ups. This shared decision-making approach helps ensure care is tailored to each child’s needs and changing condition.

Kimura highlights ongoing research that is making care even more precise. Scientists are studying biomarkers — specific signals in the blood that can guide personalized treatment decisions — and exploring whether medications work best alone or in combination. This research, she says, is already shaping a future in which therapies are better matched to the specific type of arthritis and the individual patient.

Beyond medical advances, Kimura urges families to seek support and community through trusted organizations like the Arthritis Foundation, which offers educational resources and connections for families navigating life with childhood arthritis.