Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

14 Sep Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA)

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) are a set of inflammatory diseases that effects children under the age of 16. Its cause is unknown, making it idiopathic in nature. However, it is believed that most cases are related to the immune system attacking healthy cells thereby creating a negative response. Attacking the immune system results in inflammation, swelling and joint pain. There are many different types of JIA depending on tissue effected and how widespread the condition is.   

Symptoms of Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis 

• Joint pain – Pain to both move joint and when joint palpated  
• Joint stiffness – often worse in cold weather and in the morning  
• Swelling over the joint – Often leading to warmer skin in the area and redness  
• Avoiding use of the joint/area of the body effected 
• Poor sleep quality leading to fatigue, irritability and inability to concentrate 
• Other symptoms can include: Rashes, weight loss, fever and inflammation of the eye  

Diagnosis  

Diagnosis of JIA is challenging as there are not specific tests available. The initial consultation of the paediatrician/physiotherapist is to rule out other causes of pain and disability. Usually, a blood test will also be conducted, however this cannot rule out or rule in JIA.  It is often a diagnosis of elimination.  

Treatment  

The two main treatment types for JIA are medication to manage symptoms and physiotherapy.  

In Physiotherapy we use manual and exercise therapy to help maintain joint range of motion, improve muscular strength and minimise symptoms. Building muscular strength your child’s physical capacity will improve meaning they can do more before onset of symptoms. This means that they will be better equipped to keep up with their peers in the playground and in sport!   

Physiotherapists are also equipped to help with activity modification. Helping your child to avoid a ‘Boom and Bust’ activity load whereby the do a whole lot, their symptoms get severe, therefore they cannot do much until they recover. 

How can Western Paediatric Physiotherapy Help? 

At Western Paediatric Physiotherapy we use a wide range of different exercises.   We choose exercises based on what will work best for your child and what they will enjoy most because enjoyment=participation=improvement!  

At Western pediatrics physiotherapy we offer a range of different modalities. This will depend how frequently you can attend the clinic, the resources you have available at home and your child’s preferences. 

We can offer comprehensive home and gym programs with regular reviews to update and progress the program as required. These reviews are also great to workshop through any difficulties your child may be having with exercises and general life and school activities.  

We can also offer Pilates and play-based programs in the clinic. These sessions would be best to be attended at a regular bases, I.e. weekly. Your child will also have a home exercise program to compliment Pilates and play-based in clinic exercise programs. 

If you have any questions if your child suffers from JIA please do not hesitate to book in with one of our Paediatric Physiotherapists!