Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

How is it Treated?

Exercise

Exercise is a very important part of treatment for juvenile arthritis. For children with arthritis, exercise helps keep joints mobile; keep muscles strong; regain lost motion or strength in a joint or muscle; make everyday activities like walking or dressing easier; and improve general fitness and endurance.

Therapeutic Exercise

While medications reduce pain and inflammation, only therapeutic exercise can restore lost motion in a joint. These exercises can make it easier for children to walk and perform other activities of daily living such as walking, eating and writing.

Range-of-motion exercises keep joints flexible and are especially important for children who have lost motion in a joint, or whose joints have become fixed in a bent position. Strengthening exercises build muscles.

A physical or occupational therapist will teach your child how to perform these exercises at home. Most of these must be done daily. The therapist will show your child how to use hot baths, hot packs and/or cold treatments before exercise to make the therapy easier. 

Sports and Recreational Activities

Recreational activities help your child exercise joints and muscles, develop important social skills and have fun. But remember that recreational activities cannot take the place of therapeutic exercise.

Participating in sports and recreational activities helps children with arthritis develop confidence in their physical abilities. Encourage activities that exercise the joints and muscles without putting too much stress on them, like swimming.

Strong muscles and joint protection are the keys to participating in sports. Although contact sports are never recommended, even aggressive sports like soccer and basketball may not be off-limits for your child. Special exercises and protective equipment can further reduce the risk of injury, and help your child play sports she likes.

Medications | Exercise | Splints/Surgery | Eye & Dental Care/Diet