Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Relief

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common type of childhood arthritis, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are several types of JRA and the diagnosis is based upon which joints are affected and what symptoms manifest. To have JRA, your child must be under age 16 and have joint inflammation that lasts for at least six weeks.

Medicines

• Most medicines prescribed for JRA reduce swelling and inflammation. Some also help halt the disease's progression and lessen the likelihood of joint damage. The Mayo Clinic points out that they should also reduce pain and restore flexibility so your child can participate in normal activities. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) reduce swelling and relieve pain. They include ibuprofen and naproxen and are sold under brand names like Advil, Aleve and Motrin. Because children who use this type of drug can develop liver and stomach side effects, follow your doctor's dosage instructions carefully.

  While Celecoxib, brand name Celebrex, is also a NSAID, it is gentler on the stomach. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it as a JRA treatment for children as young as 2 years. However, some studies have found that it increases the risk of heart problems in adults and further study is being done to see if it has the same effect on children.

  Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) are used when NSAIDS alone aren't enough to relieve your child's pain and joint inflammation. They can be combined with NSAIDS and also help to slow the progression of JRA. Methotrexate and sulfasalazine, sold under the brand names Azulfidine and Rheumatrex, are examples of this class of drug.

  Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers stop certain immune responses that cause some kinds of JRA. If your child has this kind of arthritis, TNFs can help reduce morning stiffness, swollen joints and pain. These drugs are sold under the brand names Enbrel and Remicade.

  Corticosteriods are prescribed for children with more severe JRA. They are given to immediately control symptoms until other medications can take effect. Because they can interfere with your child's growth, the Mayo Clinic recommends they be used for the shortest time possible. You should discuss corticosteroids with your child's doctor if you have concerns.

Lifestyle

• When your child has juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, there are additional things you can do to help control this disease. Physical therapy should be part of your child's treatment plan. A physical therapist can design personalized exercises and activities to help your child improve joint flexibility and build strength. Regular exercise, in addition to physical therapy, is also important for children with JRA since some may avoid movements that are painful. Activities like walking, swimming and using a stationary bike are good activities to help keep joints flexible, according to the PediatricHealthChannel.com. Some children get also relief from pain and swelling using heating pads or a hot bath.

  It is also important for your child to eat well and maintain a healthy body weight to help combat the overall effects of JRA.