How is JIA treated?

Your treatment is planned just for you – it may be different for another person.

Treatment for JIA might include:

• medications to control the inflammation
• exercises to keeping the joints moving well
• splints to support the joints
• joint injections to reduce inflammation in particular joints
• pain management strategies to reduce pain and to help you cope with pain.

You will need treatment for as long as the JIA continues. Treatment may change as the JIA changes over time, but treatment is only stopped completely when the symptoms have been gone for quite a while.

Your treatment may involve a few different professionals. They are called your treatment team.

Who is my treatment team?

You and Your Parents

You and your parents are the most important people in the treatment team. Your team will work together to help you manage your JIA. You should ask about the treatments and how they work, so you can use them properly and help your team to help you.

Paediatric Rheumatologist

Paediatric rheumatologists are doctors who look after children with arthritis.

Rheumatology Nurse

Rheumatology nurses provide education, support and coordinate your treatment.

Physiotherapist (Physio)

Physiotherapists are experts in how joints and muscles work. They might give you exercises to help keep joints moving well, and to keep you strong.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

Occupational Therapists can give you splints for supporting joints and provide other aids to help you with everyday activities like getting dressed or writing.

Ophthalmologist

Ophthalmologists are doctors who specialise in eye problems.

Psychologist / Psychiatrist / Counsellor

Psychologists and psychiatrists help kids and families manage feelings about JIA, and can also help you learn to manage pain.

General Practitioner (GP)

Your GP looks after your general health. Contact your GP if you have any health concerns other than joint problems.

Pharmacist

Pharmacists dispense your medication at the chemist.

Teachers

Your teachers need to know about your condition and its treatments so they can help you at school. Your nurse educator can talk to your school if you ask for this.

Support Groups

It can be great to meet other kids with JIA. They understand what it’s like. Local arthritis foundations often have fun activity days and camps for kids with JIA.

Meeting other families who have a child with JIA can be a valuable experience for your whole family. It can help to share ideas and experiences with other families in the same situation. Local Arthritis Foundations often run support groups for parents and activities for families.

[ Source ]