How To Manage Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Common JRA Symptom: Pain

It is common for children to complain of pain in their joints and muscles after a long day of physical activity, however a child with JRA may complain of muscle pain first thing in the morning or after waking up from a nap. Their knees, hands, feet, neck and jaw joints may be particularly painful, but their pain may lessen the more they move their body. A doctor may recommend acetaminophen or ibuprofen to bring down the pain. The difference between pain caused by injuries or other illnesses and JRA is that arthritis-related pain develops slowly and can affect joints all over the body, rather than one single area. Additionally, pain due to injury will eventually heal, whereas JRA symptoms will persist if untreated.