How To Manage Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Treatment For JRA

When children get diagnosed early, they also get treated sooner and early treatment results in better outcomes. Many of the same drugs that adults with rheumatoid arthritis use are the same ones used to treat children, with methotrexate and biologics being the most commonly used drugs. These medications can keep children’s JRA from deteriorating to the point that they require a wheelchair, which was what typically happened in the past. Today, physical therapy and occupational therapy are also part of treatment plans to keep kids' muscles and joints strong. Splinting can also be an effective tool for children to help them function better. Many of the treatments can ease symptoms enough to allow children to have a normal life, where they can attend school and play with their friends.