Juvenile Arthritis

What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)?

Juvenile arthritis is a condition in which there is inflammation in the synovium (tissue that lines the inside of joints). It is an autoimmune disease and occurs when the body’s immune system attacks its own cells. It is not known why this happens, but researchers believe that genetics and environmental factors may play a part.

There are many types of Juvenile Arthritis:

• Systemic onset: Can affect the entire body. It usually causes a high fever and a rash. It can also affect internal organs.
• Oligoarticular: Affects 1 – 4 joints in the first 6 months of the disease. Joints most commonly affected are the knee, ankle and wrist.
• Polyarticular: Involves 5 or more joints in the first 6 months of the disease.
• Enthesis-related: The child has arthritis as well as enthesitis. Enthesis is the place where tendons attach to bones. Often afflicts the spine, hips, eyes and entheses.
• Psoriatic: Children have both arthritis and a skin disease called psoriasis.

What are the signs and symptoms of Juvenile arthritis?

Juvenile arthritis is usually a chronic, long-lasting disease. However, symptoms may come and go over time (periods of flares and remission)

Some symptoms may be:

• Joint stiffness, especially in the morning
• Pain, swelling and tenderness in the joints
• Fatigue, Fever, Rash, Eye irritation

How is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis diagnosed?

There is no single test to confirm the disease. A specialist doctor will take your child’s history and do a physical exam. They may also order imaging studies and blood tests.

How can physiotherapy help?

Treatment for juvenile arthritis generally includes both exercise and medications. In the active phase of the disease, pain alleviation is important while the inactive stage requires strategies for improving mobility and function.

Physiotherapists can

• Prescribe stretching exercises
  • This is important to prevent joint contractures and manage stiffness
• Strengthening exercises
  • To promote good joint health and improve bone mass
• Recommend safe activities during both the active and remission phases
• Manual therapy and soft tissue releases can be done to help improve movement or relieve pain

Let our Physiotherapists at Women & Children Centre help your child with their condition.

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