MSK KIDS

Supporting kids and families with juvenile arthritis and other MSK conditions

Most people don’t realise that kids get arthritis too

Musculoskeletal Australia supports children and families with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and other musculoskeletal conditions. Although many people are unaware that kids get arthritis, it’s actually as common as type 1 diabetes for the same age group. In fact 1 in 800 Australian children aged 0-17 are living with JIA.¹ By providing Help Line support, information resources and services we’re empowering children and families to make informed choices regarding the care and management of these debilitating, painful conditions.

We’ve now created an e-book version of our ‘Caring for a child with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions’ to make it easier for you. Take a look!

¹ Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. Australia’s health 2016. Canberra: AIHW; 2016. http://www.aihw.gov.au/publication-detail/?id=60129555544

New! Teen Talk – an online chatroom for teens with arthritis and other musculoskeletal conditions.

Get excited! We now have a place where you can jump online and chat with other young people who “get it”. Teen Talk is a safe space for people between the ages of 13-20 currently living with a musculoskeletal condition or chronic pain.

Conditions that affect the musculoskeletal system include juvenile arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, back pain, Perthes, lupus, scleroderma, mixed connective tissue disease, hypermobility syndromes and many more! Musculoskeletal may sound like a big word but put simply it’s anything to do with the bones, muscles, joints, cartilage, ligaments and bursae in your body.

So…come chat with us and share your story! But don’t worry, you don’t have to chat about your medical history, you can chat about whatever’s occupying your mind. Music, films, school, sport, computer games, your favourite food or whatever. Jump online and connect today!

For more information, including safety protocols and frequently asked questions, click on the Teen Talk box below.