HD Physical Therapy Marks July as Juvenile Arthritis Month

July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increase awareness of early signs and symptoms of juvenile arthritis and to highlight resources available. The condition currently affects 300,000 children nationwide, making it one of the most common childhood diseases in the US. During Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month, learn how you can help those affected.

Arthritis is a complex family of musculoskeletal disorders consisting of more than 100 different diseases that destroy joints, bones, muscles, cartilage and other connective tissues. Juvenile arthritis (JA) is a term used to describe the many conditions that can develop in children ages 16 and younger. Three classifications of juvenile arthritis exist: juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), of which, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is the most common. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body’s immune system—which normally helps to fight off bacteria or viruses—mistakenly attacks some of its own healthy cells and tissues. The result is inflammation, and inflammation can cause joint damage. Doctors do not know why the immune system attacks healthy tissues in children. Scientists suspect that it is a two-step process. First, something in a child’s genetic makeup gives him or her a tendency to develop JA; then an environmental factor, such as a virus, triggers the development of the disease.

The most common symptoms of all types of juvenile arthritis are persistent joint swelling, pain and stiffness that are typically worse in the morning or after a nap. The pain may limit movement of the affected joint, although many children, especially younger ones, will not complain of pain. JA commonly affects the knees and the joints in the hands and feet. One of the earliest signs of JA may be limping in the morning because of an affected knee.

The most important step in properly treating your child’s JA is getting an accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic process can be long and detailed. The child’s pediatrician will likely recommend that you visit a pediatric rheumatologist who will take a complete health history and exam to determine the length of time and type of symptoms present. Along with the physical exam, your child’s doctors may take a number of other diagnostic steps, such as laboratory work, x-rays and other imaging tests, to rule out other potential causes of symptoms.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for juvenile arthritis. The goal of treatment for JA is to control pain levels, reduce inflammation, maintain mobility and improve your child’s quality of life. Most treatment plans involve a combination of medication, physical therapy and healthy living; therefore, an important member of your child’s health care team is their physical therapist. A PT can work with your child to develop a plan of exercises that will improve joint function and strengthen muscles, without causing further harm to affected joints. Having arthritis can be part of your child’s life – not the focus of their life.

*Please note: The health and safety of our patients and staff is always our top priority. We are currently fully open in Burlington & Wakefield, MA, accepting new patients. We are offering one-on-one, in-clinic visits and telehealth services. We are continuing to follow all recommended precautions. Please visit our ‘COVID-19 & TELEHEALTH FOR PT’ webpage for more information, and never hesitate to call our offices with any questions.

At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person's maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media.