Rheumatoid Arthritis Health Center

Living with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), a childhood disease that causes inflamed, swollen joints, often means making lifestyle changes and adjustments. This can be frustrating and demanding for you, your child, and your family. But many children with JIA do not have long-term disease and disability and go on to lead healthy adult lives. To help both you and your child cope with the challenges of chronic illness, work as a team with your child's doctors and other health professionals.

Home, school, and community activities

Regular exercise, taking medicines, and using assistive devices when needed will help your child function as normally as possible at home and school.

Range-of-motion exercises. Children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) must do regular exercises to maintain joint range and muscle strength and prevent contractures. If you have an infant or child younger than 4 years of age who has arthritis, an adult will need to move the child's joints through the range-of-motion exercises. Older children can do the exercises themselves but may still need adult supervision. Participation in activities such as swimming or biking with other children helps improve a child's ability to function, builds self-confidence, and may decrease pain and disability.

Balancing rest and activity. Children with JIA may need extra naps or quiet time during the day to rest their joints and regain their strength. But long periods without activity can cause your child's joints to be less flexible and may eventually lead to weakness in unused muscles. It is also important not to overdo activity, particularly if it causes pain or stiffness the following day.

Taking medicines. Sticking to a medication schedule can be difficult for children with JIA. An older child may find it easier to remember to take medicine by using a pillbox or chart for a day's or week's worth of medicine. Ask your doctor whether the dose of medicine can be adjusted so your child can take it at times that are most convenient and will not make him or her feel "different." To avoid stomach upset, you can also give nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with meals or a small snack.

Assistive devices. Items that can help your child hold onto, open, close, move, or do things more easily include:

• Doorknob extenders, to avoid twisting the wrist to open doors.
• Extended or enlarged handles on keys, pencils, silverware, combs, or toothbrushes that make it easier to hold and use these objects.
• Lightweight clothing and toys.
• Velcro fasteners or simple, large fasteners on clothing, instead of small buttons or snaps.
• A large pull tab or a loop of cord on a zipper, to make zipping clothing easier.
• Elevated toilet seats, to avoid bending.
• Canes or crutches, to assist walking.