Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Posted on: Oct 2 2019
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is a condition in children under the age of 16 which causes inflammation and stiffness in various joints throughout the body. Inflammation causes redness, swelling, warmth, and soreness in the joints. Any joint can be affected, and inflammation may limit the mobility of affected joints making everyday activities difficult, such as walking, running jumping, reaching, and throwing.
JRA is an autoimmune disorder, which means that the body mistakenly identifies some of its own cells and tissues as foreign. The immune system, which normally helps to fight off harmful, foreign substances such as bacteria or viruses, begins to attack healthy cells and tissues. The result is inflammation — marked by redness, heat, pain, and swelling.
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Patients diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis can seek physical therapy care to help reduce swelling and pain as well as strengthen the surrounding muscles to improve support and reduce the impact put through the joint. Physical therapy can help improve overall joint mechanics to allow them to function properly. Physical therapists can also help patients learn new ways of approaching tasks that minimize the strain on affected joints. Acupuncture treatment can also help greatly reduce inflammation in those with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Posted in: Physical Therapy
