Abstract

Joint pain is a common clinical symptom in children with a broad and diverse etiology – ranging from benign, self-limiting conditions to serious and potentially life-threatening diseases. The differential diagnosis is extensive and includes both musculoskeletal and non-musculoskeletal causes from various organ systems. A thorough medical history and clinical examination form the foundation of the diagnostic process, supported by targeted laboratory and imaging investigations. A particular diagnostic challenge is the involvement of a single joint. It is essential to first rule out other potential causes, including infections, trauma, orthopedic conditions, and malignancies, before considering rheumatologic origin. Early recognition of serious conditions significantly influences disease outcomes, enabling timely treatment and prevention of complications. For this reason, a broad understanding of possible etiologies across different medical specialties is crucial when evaluating joint pain in children. In this article, we present four clinical cases that illustrate the variety of underlying causes and highlight some of the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges encountered in the assessment of joint pain in the pediatric population.

Key words: arthralgia, child, juvenile arthritis, differential diagnosis