Treatment Options
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a condition which causes problems in the joints of the body. It occurs in children, most of which are under the age of 16. JRA often causes severe pain and inflammation. Pain rehab at a pain treatment center is often necessary. Treatment offered at a treatment center for pain will help to control symptoms of JRA and prevent any further damage to the body.
Specific treatment types include:
- Exercise – When juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is present, it is especially important to keep your body strong. Strong muscles help to better support the joints of the body. Swimming, walking, and bicycling are a few exercises that may be beneficial to someone with JRA. It is also important to remember to stretch prior to performing any type of exercise. Before starting a new sport, it is necessary to talk with your doctor regarding the safety of the sport.
- Vision Services – Eye problems such as uveitis are common among those with certain types of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Once JRA is diagnosed it is very important to have regular eye appointments. Early examination of the eyes helps to prevent further complications.
- Heat Application – Heat application helps a number of people deal with the pain caused by juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Taking a hot bath or shower, using an electric blanket, or trying out warm wax (known as paraffin) may relieve certain symptoms.
- Splints – Many physical therapists will create splints for their clients. A splint can be used to move a joint back into its normal position or prevent severe deformities. Splints are most commonly used on the knees, wrists, and fingers.
- Healthy Eating – Maintaining a healthy diet is very important, especially among those with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Eating too little (often due to constant pain in the jaw or feelings of sickness) can cause weight loss and depletes the nutrient levels of the body. Weight gain (often caused by unhealthy eating or medication) strains the joints. Also, it is very important to eat a diet filled with calcium-rich food in order to bring health to the bones.
- Cold Packs – Although most people respond better to heat application, some people deal better with the application of cold packs.
- Physical Therapy – Physical therapy is another important aspect of treating juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. This practice is especially important for those who no longer experience overall movement in the joints or for those who have stiff joints. Physical therapists will also often teach their clients specific exercises so that they can continue treatment on their own at home.
- Medication – The administration of medication is perhaps one of the most popular forms of treatment for someone with JRA. However, because juvenile rheumatoid arthritis occurs among children, dosage amounts should be carefully monitored. Some of the medications used include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), hydroxychloroquine, penicillamine, slow acting anti-rheumatic drugs (SAARDs), analgesics, and sulfasalazine. Most of these medications reduce pain and swelling, although the time it takes for them to become effective changes.
- Dental Care – Dental care can greatly help someone with jaw complications which cause eating and other important movements to be difficult.
- Surgery – The use of surgery may help to greatly reduce pain but it is not often used until later in the treatment process after a number of other pain treatments have been tried. Joint replacement surgery or the repairing of tightened tissues (which have caused a change in joint positioning) are a few types of surgery which can be performed.
There are a number of different types of arthritis and while juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is not the most severe form, it does require pain treatment. Pain treatment at a pain treatment facility provides many of these ten options as well as a number of other unique programs. Call a pain rehabilitation center near you today and discover pain recovery.
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