Treatments
There is no cure for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. The goals with treatment are to decrease pain and inflammation, maintain mobility and joint function, and to minimize joint damage and complications. Treatment will vary from patient to patient and frequently varies over time.
Medications may include pain relievers, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), immunosuppressants, corticosteroids (also known as glucocorticoids) and biologic agents.
Physical therapy and regular exercise are very important. They can help maintain flexibility, range-of-motion, muscle strength and joint mobility. Splints may be used in some cases to help keep a joint in the proper position. Hot and/or cold treatments may help relieve morning stiffness.
Some accommodations may need to be made at school and at home for a child with JRA but, in most cases, they can lead and should be encouraged to lead relatively normal lives.
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