| Home | What is JA? | Life with JA | Managing JA | Resources for JA | JA Plan | Site Map | Contact |
| Return to Main NSW YAWA Website | |||||||
The principles of managing arthritis are remarkably similar whatever type of arthritis a child has - parents are encouraged to clarify information with their doctor and keep them informed of progress and new things they may be trying. Without understanding fully the causes of juvenile arthritis it has not been possible to find a cure yet. Therefore, treatment is aimed at managing the symptoms of arthritis (relieving pain and reducing inflammation), preventing or limiting damage to joints and other organs, and minimising the impact of arthritis on a child or teenagers functional abilities, education, socialisation and development. The whole family, including the child themselves, parents, siblings and grandparents, as well as health professionals and teachers play an important role in managing juvenile arthritis.
Problems with arthritis include ... I can't kneel, I sometimes can't participate in P.E, my knees are too big for my legs, I'm underhight & my flexibility level is low. Kids and teenagers with arthritis have a number of ways of managing their arthritis, including the following. Each of these will be discussed in more detail:
As you will have noticed there can be considerable work involved in managing a child or teenagers arthritis. Incorporating these strategies into everyday activities and making them not too onerous for a child to do can be a challenge. Teachers and health professionals may be able to suggest interesting, even fun, ways of helping kids look after their arthritis. For example, allowing a young child, and maybe a friend, lie on their tummy on the floor for story time can help to stretch out hipjoints which have been bent into a sitting position throughout the day. Incorporating 10 minutes of relaxation techniques into the day for a classroom of teenagers can help with everyones stress levels as well as relieve aching joints in the student with arthritis. Different management techniques work for different kids - each child or teenager tries to find the combination of things that work best for them. When a child or teenager is not experiencing too many symptoms or many difficulties they may have found an appropriate combination of medications, exercise and pain management strategies to manage their arthritis. However, there may be times when the arthritis flares out of control, and new strategies need to be tried.
How does the 'Managing Juvenile Arthritis' section relate to your own work setting? By clicking on the pencil image you will be linked to the 'Working with a Child with Arthritis Plan' - you have the opportunity to make notes about the relevance of this material to your own setting, and to any children with arthritis that you may be working with.
Once you have completed this move on to the next section 'Resources for Juvenile Arthritis'.
12-year old girl with arthritis.
