 incorporate several therapies, including:
- Steroid injections to reduce inflammation in the joints.
- Immune suppressing drugs to keep the immune system from attacking the joints.
- Over-the-counter or prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain.
Among non-surgical therapies, exercise is one of the most important treatments for JA. Low-impact activities like swimming, walking, and yoga are typically recommended to help manage stiffness and pain. Children may also receive occupational and physical therapy to help them learn ways to stay active and perform their typical tasks.
Although orthopedists may recommend splints or mobility aids for some children, or develop modifications for certain activities, JA doesn’t keep children from attending school or participating in extracurricular activities. That said, the Juvenile Arthritis Alliance (JAA), part of the Arthritis Foundation, provides support groups, summer camps, and a wealth of JA information and resources for kids and their families.
Staying involved in social activities is vital to maintaining a fulfilling quality of life. JAA notes that maintaining a positive attitude and focusing on what your child can do, rather than the limitations of their condition, is the foundation of treating JA.
South Island Orthopedics and Juvenile Arthritis
Orthopedic surgeons are a vital part of any JA patient’s care team. As experts in joints, muscles, and bones, their expertise can help prevent permanent damage to the joints and preserve their function and mobility into adulthood. In rare cases, a JA patient may require surgery to reposition a joint that’s become deformed. However, joint replacement is typically reserved for adults and seldom performed on children.
The pediatric orthopedic surgeons at South Island Orthopedics are committed to helping young people manage their JA during Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month 2021 and beyond. We are focused on helping all children live healthy, active lives.
If you suspect that your child has any type of musculoskeletal condition, make an appointment to see a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at SIO’s Woodbury, NY or Cedarhurst, NY location.
Posted in: Awareness Month