Treatment for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Overview
Healthcare providers use a variety of approaches to treat
juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. These approaches are used in different combinations and at different times during the course of the disease, and are chosen according to the patient's individual situation.
The main goals of juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis treatment are to preserve a high level of physical and social functioning while maintaining a good quality of life. To achieve these goals, healthcare providers recommend treatments to:
- Reduce swelling
- Maintain full movement in the affected joint
- Relieve pain
- Identify, treat, and prevent complications.
In order to achieve these goals, most children with juvenile
rheumatoid arthritis need medication, exercise, and physical therapy.
Keep in mind that good communication among the child, parents, and healthcare providers is necessary for effective juvenile rheumatoid
arthritis treatment. Talking to the healthcare providers can help ensure that exercise and pain management programs are provided as needed, and that drugs are prescribed appropriately. Ultimately, however, successful treatment begins with the parents and child. Studies have shown that children and parents who are well informed and participate actively in the treatment process see better results and make fewer visits to the doctor than do other families
coping with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.