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.

Common JRA Symptom: Eye Problems

Eye infections are relatively common in childhood as many bacterial infections can easily be passed by classmates at school. In JRA, serious complications can arise in children’s eyes as a result of inflammation, causing blindness if untreated. Often, inflammation in the eye starts off as redness, eye pain or blurred vision, which can progress into something more serious. JRA related eye complications include iritis, which is inflammation around the iris and uveitis, the middle layer of the eye. It is important for children to see a pediatric opthamologist at the first sign of experiencing inflammation around the eyes. These eye specialists will work alongside the child’s rheumatologist to create a thorough treatment plan to prevent further damage.