July is...

Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month

Juvenile Arthritis refers to any form of arthritis or arthritis related condition that develops in children or teenagers younger than 18 years old. Approximately 294,000 children are affected by pediatric arthritis and rheumatoligic conditions. Juvenile arthritis is also called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis. The cause of JRA is unknown and it is also 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
Can make it easier to move joints that the difficult to move. While medications reduce pain and inflammation, only therapeutic exercises can restore lost motion in a joint. These exercises can make it easier for children to walk and perform other activities of daily living.

Range-of-motion exercises keep joints flexible. They are especially important for children who have trouble moving a joint or if joints have become fixed in a bent position. Joints that do not move well are at an increase risk of degenerative arthritis, even if the inflammation of controlled.

Strengthening exercises build muscle, strength, and endurance. Stronger muscles can help support joints that are weak.