Family Impact
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire family who must cope with the special challenges of this disease. JRA can strain a child's participation in social and after-school activities and make school work more difficult. Although pain sometimes limits physical activity, exercise is important to reduce the symptoms of JRA and maintain function and range of motion of the joints.
Flares
Most children with JRA can take part fully in physical activities and sports when their symptoms are under control. During a disease flare-up, however, the doctor may advise limiting certain activities depending on the joints involved. Once the flare-up is over, a child can start regular activities again.Family Can Help
There are several things that family members can do to help the child do well physically and emotionally.
- Treat the child as normally as possible.
- Ensure that the child receives appropriate medical care and follows the doctor's instructions.
- Encourage exercise and physical therapy for the child.
- Work closely with the school to develop a suitable lesson plan for the child and to educate the teacher and the child's classmates about JRA.
- Explain to the child that getting JRA is nobody's fault. Some children believe that JRA is a punishment for something they did.
- Consider joining a support group.
- Work with therapists or social workers to adapt more easily to the lifestyle change JRA may bring.
