Juvenile Arthritis: 6 Ways to Help Your Child Live Better with Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis is an auto-immune disorder observed in children. In Juvenile Arthritis bodies immune system mistakenly attacks its own cells causing inflammation in the joints, swelling, and other problems. The most common type of Arthritis in childhood is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) also known as Rheumatoid Arthritis. This can cause permanent damage to the joints and the child may find it difficult to do much physical activity.

Signs and Symptoms of Juvenile Arthritis

• Joint Pain
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Loss of Appetite
• Fatigue
• Difficulty with daily activity

Here are 6 Ways to help your child live better with Juvenile Arthritis

• Exercise – Regular exercise is essentially important for one suffering from Juvenile Arthritis. Exercise promotes joint flexibility, and muscle strength and maintains a range of motion and muscle tone. Swimming does not put pressure on the joint and hence is the best form of exercise for Arthritis.
• Losing Weight – Weight loss is one of the ways to manage the pain. Weight loss will help in putting less pressure on the joint and reduce the pain. Due to reduced physical activities and intake of medicines chances are that one can gain weight. Hence weight management becomes one of the essential factors.
• Applying Cold and Heat Pads – Due to Juvenile Arthritis, children may suffer from stiffness and pain. During such times apply cold or hot packs whichever the child is comfortable with. Hot packs or hot baths or showers can bring certain warmth and relief.
• Avoiding Inflammatory foods – Packaged and Processed foods, Refined Carbohydrates, Trans-Fat containing foods, and Red Meat is inflammation-causing foods and worsens the condition.
• Include More Fiber – Fiber helps in fighting against inflammation and lowering ph levels. Dietary fiber promotes gut bacteria, which also helps in reducing inflammation. Fiber helps in managing Arthritis and also helps in weight loss.
• Spices – Spices are always part of meals. Spices like cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, and ginger contain anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial which help in fighting the inflammation and reducing the pain.

Over To You –
Juvenile Arthritis is a chronic condition and requires care and support from parents for children to cope with the condition.