July is

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Juvenile Arthritis refers to any form of arthritis or arthritis related condition that develops in the children or teenagers who are younger than 18 years old. JRA is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body mistakenly identifies some of its own cells and tissues as foreign. The immune system, which normally helps to fight off harmful, foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses, begins to attack healthy cells and tissues. The result is inflammation marked by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.

Physical Therapy

The goals of medical treatment for juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are to reduce your child's joint pain and to prevent disability. Treatment is determined by the type and severity of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Physical therapy can make it easier to move joints that are difficult to move. While medications reduce pain and inflammation, only therapeutic exercise can restore lost motion in joint. Exercises help to prevent contractions and maintain joint range and muscle strength.These exercises can make it easier for children to walk and perform other activities of daily living.