Gout is usually the result of a defect in body chemistry. The crystals often accumulate in small joints, especially the big toe. It can usually be controlled with medication and changes in diet. Ankylosing spondylitis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine. As a result of inflammation, the bones in the spine may grow together.
Juvenile arthritis is a general term for all types of arthritis that occur in children.
Kids can develop rheumatoid arthritis or childhood forms of lupus, ankylosing spondylitis or other types of arthritis. Lupus is a chronic disease of unknown origin. It typically affects the membranes in the joints, producing pain and inflammation. The joint discomfort and the accompanying rash tend to come in waves, with alternating periods of remission and flare-ups. Scleroderma is a disease of the body's connective tissue that causes thickening and hardening of the skin.