Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis

A image of girls legs as they walk through a play ground

What is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis?

Arthritis in children is termed Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). It is a painful condition that affects the joints and the bones. JIA occurs when the immune system, instead of just attacking infections, attacks the tissues of the body as well. The tissue lining of the joints becomes inflamed, making them stiff or swollen. The symptoms may sometimes ‘flare up’, and get worse for a period of time. It can affect any number of joints. The more joints affected the more severe the condition. As JIA is an auto-immune condition it can also affect organs, such as the eyes, liver, heart and lungs as well as the joints.

For more information: www.ccaa.org.uk

Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy can help arthritis, relieve pain, and improve the child or adolescents ability to get on with life. The therapy aims are to maintain function, minimize any disability, and support children affect by this condition to reach their full potential both socially and educationally.

How can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapists can provide exercises to stretch soft tissues to improve range of movement in the joints and build up strength and stamina. Advice and strategies for home and school may also be provided.

How can occupational therapy help?

Occupational therapists can help others learn to monitor a child's JIA. They can advise on ways to adapt activities or the physical environment. They do this to help a child participate more fully in work, school, and leisure activities. Working closely with families and schools, an OT may provide any of the following interventions depending on the individual’s needs and goals:

special equipment to help with daily routines;
Splints for the hand to help to improve or maintain range of motion, reduce contractures or reduce pain, swelling, or stress on the wrist or finger joints;
Balancing school, work, play, and leisure activities.

Coming soon ... relevant Occupational Therapy Home Programmes available for members on this website.