Why does my daughter have painless swelling in her ankle?

Q: My daughter is 7 years old. She has swelling in her left leg ankle area for the past two days. But there is no pain and joint movement is normal. What could be cause and treatment?

A:Any painless swelling of a joint without any history of injury or fever suggests Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis in its early stage. It is responsive to medicines. The problem may be different, hence the child's paediatrician is the best person to consult. An orthopaedic assessment is also required.