Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, formerly known as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16.
While the exact cause of the disease is unknown, it is found among children living in urban areas and who have little to no opportunity for playing in open fields. As they cannot get proper sunlight, they suffer from vitamin deficiency. Another cause may be the excessive use of computer, mobile, laptop etc which causes back and neck pain.
The most common signs and symptoms of juvenile idiopathic arthritis are:
n PAIN: While your child might not complain of joint pain, you may notice that he or she limps - especially first thing in the morning or after a nap.
n SWELLING: Joint swelling is common. But it is often first noticed in larger joints such as the knee.
n STIFFNESS: You might notice that your child appears clumsier than usual, particularly in the morning or after naps.
n FEVER, SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES AND RASH: In some cases, high fever, swollen lymph nodes or a rash on the trunk may occur - which is usually worse in the evenings.
Treatment for juvenile arthritis generally includes both exercise and medications. The treatment plans are also based on the type of juvenile arthritis. For instance, children who have polyarticular juvenile arthritis and who have a positive result on the rheumatoid factor test have the potential for more joint damage and may need more aggressive treatment.
In general, though, treatment for juvenile arthritis has several main goals:
n To relieve pain
n To reduce swelling
n To increase joint mobility and strength
n To prevent joint damage and complications
The role of the Occupational Therapist (OT) in treating children/young people with JRA is very diverse. It can include:
n Assessing your child's ability to perform day-to-day tasks and routines and suggesting alternative ways to carry out tasks
n Offering practical support and advice on assistive gadgets/aids
n Offering advice on pain management and techniques to improve sleep and energy levels
n Acting as a liaison between your family, healthcare team and school about current needs and future careers advice.
The OT's aim is to promote and preserve your child's normal childhood activities as they progress through all the usual developmental stages and into a productive adulthood so that they:
n feel confident in their abilities to perform everyday tasks and routines
n maintain good hand and wrist function
n are as independent as possible
n keep up with their peers in terms of their social and emotional wellbeing.
The OT will help children/young people achieve these by helping them to set realistic goals within a realistic timeframe.
Rabeya Ferdous
Occupational Therapist
Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
National Institute of Neurosciences & Hospital (NINS & H)
Sher-e-bangla Nagar, Dhaka
[email protected]
