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Mom's Fight: Toddler's Pain Was Not Growing Pains
14 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Mother's persistence led to a juvenile idiopathic arthritis diagnosis.
- Toddler experienced severe knee pain, initially dismissed as growing pains.
- Diagnosis came after 18 months of tests and parental advocacy.
A mother's relentless pursuit of answers finally brought a diagnosis for her toddler's severe knee pain, which had been repeatedly attributed to growing pains. Skyla Smith, initially diagnosed with growing pains, suffered intensely, impacting her ability to walk. Her mother, Elaine-Maree Telfer, trusted her instincts and fought for further investigation.
After an 18-month journey involving multiple doctor visits, scans, and tests, including an ultrasound and MRIs, Skyla was diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) at age three. This condition, where the immune system attacks the body's tissues, can cause joint pain, swelling, and stiffness if left untreated.
Telfer now manages Skyla's JIA with weekly injections and regular medical appointments. She has shared her story on TikTok to empower other parents to advocate for their children and raise awareness about JIA, emphasizing that parents often know best when something is amiss.
