If you thought that arthritis was a disease that affected only old people like your parents or grand parents, then it is better you change your opinion for it can strike children below the ages of 16 too. This is called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The early symptoms may begin with a sudden rash, a swollen knuckle or even fever but it is only when you see your doctor that he or she will confirm that it is Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. Children may suffer from these symptoms for weeks or months and at times it will just go away forever.

There are many treatments of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis which are being offered to those children suffering from the disease. There is a combination of exercises, medication and physical therapy which is given so that the destruction of the joints is prevented and optimal growth is ensured while taking care of the social and emotional development of the child also. If you are apparent of an affected child then it is best that you work together with your child’s doctor, rheumatologist and physical therapist so that your child benefits the most.

Doctors usually prescribe anti-inflammatory drugs of the non- steroidal kind like ibuprofen so that the child’s inflammation and pain gets reduced considerably. These drugs also will inhibit the release of harmful chemicals that can be released form the white cells because the disease is an autoimmune disease. The doctor will vary the dosage of the medications according to the needs of your child. If your child is not responding well to medication to these anti inflammatory drugs you can ask your doctor for new options that are available for the treatment of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.  

Some of the present treatments of Juvenile rheumatoid arthirits which comprise of physical therapy programs, medication, diet restrictions and regular exercise are quite enough for the well being of the child. Some doctors do advice surgery for their child patients. One of the new options include the drug Humira which is injected into the children once every two weeks to provide relief. It is important that you include plenty of calcium in your child’s diet so that bone growth is not restricted. Researchers are still trying to find newer and better options for the treatment of Juvenile arthritis and still have not found anything constructive. Regular exercises along with heat pads can help to relieve pain and inflammation in the joints to a considerable extent.