As juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) can affect the joints and overall growth of a child, it is important to start the treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis as early as possible. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and inflammation, to reduce the symptoms and to improve and maintain joint flexibility and mobility. A combination of various treatment strategies is used to maintain the motion and strength and to prevent further complications.
Medications, different therapies and surgical options are various options available for the treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In some cases, the medications like pain relievers can be sufficient, while in some cases, the medications designed to prevent the progression of the disease are required. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and naproxen can effectively reduce pain and inflammation in joints. COX-2 inhibitor like Celecoxib (Celebrex) is another advantageous drug used for treating JRA.
Besides these medications, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) such as sulfasalazine (Azulfidine) and methotrexate (Rheumatrex) are also helpful to slow the progress of JRA. These drugs are generally used in combination with NSAIDs. In addition to this, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker is another effective medication which prevents the activity of tumor necrosis factor, an inflammatory factor. TNF inhibitors such as infliximab (Remicade) and etanercept (Enbrel) may help to decrease pain, swelling and stiffness in the joints by targeting TNF.
Use of corticosteroids is another significant treatment option for the children with severe juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The corticosteroids like prednisone can be given orally or by injection which can effectively control the symptoms of JRA.
Besides these medications, some other therapies such as massage or acupuncture can be applied as the treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The occupational therapy and physical therapy is helpful to maintain the flexibility of joints, improve the range of motion and muscle tone. In addition to these therapies, there are some self-care measures to manage the symptoms of JRA such as having regular exercise, application of heat or cold and having healthy and balanced diet rich in vitamins, calcium and minerals.
It is very important to develop the coping skill to avoid physical and emotional depressions. Family members play an important role in helping the child to cope with JRA. The parents should treat the child with JRA just like other children. Let your child express anger about JRA. The parents should encourage the child to take part in physical activities. They should inform about child’s condition to school teacher and administrators and modifications in schedule should be done accordingly.
