Juvenile Arthritis Treatment
Juvenile arthritis is a general term for all types of arthritis that occur in children. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most prevalent type of arthritis in children. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a type of arthritis that happens in children age 16 or younger. It causes joint swelling, stiffness and sometimes reduced motion. It can affect any joint, and in some cases it can affect internal organs as well.It is a form of arthritis that occurs in infants, children and young people. It is different to arthritis seen in adults. The majority of children are affected only in a few joints. Others may have arthritis that affects many joints. Some children are affected in areas other than joints such as eyes, skin, tendons and other body tissues, all to varying degrees.
Treatment
Juvenile arthritis is not a single disease, but rather a variety of diseases with persistent symptoms of arthritis which start before age 16. Consult a pediatric rheumatologist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Physiotherapy will provide exercises to maintain the function of joints and strengthen muscles around them. Drug therapy consists of tablets (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs) for relief of pain and swelling. There are over 40 types of NSAID. They can be taken regularly to begin with, and then reduced to be taken as and when needed.
In more serious cases, a doctor may prescribe a drug that attacks the disease itself, rather than simply controlling the symptoms. So-called disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) can keep the body from turning against itself and prevent further damage to bones and joints.
Some authorities believe that nutritional supplements can relieve the symptoms of JA. These supplements include large amounts of antioxidants (vitamins A, C, and E; zinc; and selenium) as well as B vitamins and minerals such as boron, copper, and manganese.
Medicine
As yet, there is no cure for JA. Still, there are medications that can reduce the inflammation associated with arthritis, help make exercise programs more effective and minimize permanent joint damage. To be fully effective, medication must always be taken regularly and exactly as prescribed. A specific medication program will be designed by your doctor for your child.
Pain relievers and anti- inflammatory drugs are the usual medications needed for some children. Of course if the patient’s condition is more serious, help from medications designed to limit the progression of the disease will be needed. Typical medications used include non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling. In severe cases corticosteroids are used to relieve the symptoms.
