Medical Conditions

Changes in your Child

When your child is in pain it is natural for him or her to want to sit still. This can start a cycle of worsening stiffness, pain and depression. It is very important to treat your child as normally as possible and encourage your child in his or her activities and interests.

Explain to your child that getting JRA is nobody's fault. Some children believe that JRA is a punishment for something they did.

You can arrange for children to participate in activities that the doctor recommends. During symptom-free periods, many doctors suggest playing team sports or doing other activities to help keep the joints strong and flexible and to provide playtime with other children to encourage appropriate social development.

Some children with JRA may be absent from school for prolonged periods and need to have the teacher send assignments home. Some minor changes such as an extra set of books, or leaving class a few minutes early to get to the next class on time can be a great help. With proper attention, most children progress normally through school. Work with the school to develop a suitable lesson plan for the child and to educate the teacher and the child's classmates about JRA.

At home and at school, your child should maintain regular exercise and physical fitness programs. Safe activities include walking, swimming, and bicycling (especially on indoor stationary bikes). Always be certain your child warms up his or her muscles by stretching before exercising. Making exercise a family activity can increase the level of fun and enthusiasm, and make your whole family healthier.

You may want to work with a therapist or social worker to adapt more easily to the lifestyle change JRA may bring.

Some children with JRA may experience iridocyclitis (pronounced: ire-ih-doe-si-kleye-tis), an inflammation in front of the eye near the iris (the colored part of the eye). For this reason, eye exams are important, even when the arthritis is not active.

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