Early Childhood Intervention
This website is a place for families who are facing
challenges pertaining to their child's development and
growth.
It is a place to find answers and practical
suggestions. That's what Early Intervention Support is all
about.
Whether a family has a child with a challenging behavior,
a disability or developmental issue, childhood is short - it
should be savored and enjoyed.
Learn More:
Ask a Therapist
We understand developmental milestones and the challenges
of Special Needs children. We spend a great deal of time
with families understanding the inner workings of childhood
routines and interactions. Ask us about your child today!
Ask a Therapist
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is a type of arthritis that
happens in children age 16 or younger. It causes joint swelling,
stiffness and sometimes reduced motion. It can affect any joint, and
in some cases it affects internal organs as well.
Symptoms of Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
One early sign of JRA may be limping in the morning.
Symptoms can come and go. Some children have just one or two flare-ups.
Others have symptoms that never go away. Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
causes growth problems in some children.
Some of the symptoms of JRA include:
- Joint inflammation
- Joint stiffness when waking up
- Hot, swollen, painful joints
- Limited range of motion
- Fever
- Rashes
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Signs of internal organ inflammation
- Eye problems that may suggest the presence of juvenile arthritis
Diagnosing JRA
There is no single test that can be done to determine if your child has
JRA. The first step would be a complete medical evaluation to rule out viral
infections and to gather a family history. Your doctor will need to know if
other family members have had a form of arthritis that your child might have
inherited. Its important to do lab tests to rule out other diseases.
Laboratory tests are also done to help rule out other diseases. Your doctor
could also order x-rays and test the joint, blood and tissue fluids.
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
The medical professionals who are involved with your child's care will be
determined by the complexity of the disease. In addition to medication to
control the inflammation, a physical therapist will recommend an exercise
program to prevent permanent loss of movement in the joints. The exercises
are also helpful to strengthen the muscles. If possible, consider having
your child exercise in the bath tub. The warm water relaxes the muscles
which increases the range of movement.
Here are some exercise tips for children with JRA:
- Encourage your child to swim. Its an excellent form of exercise
that's easy on the joints.
- If walking is painful, your child can use a tricycle or a bike with
stabilizers. This provides good exercise for legs, but should not
replace daily walks.
- At nap time, encourage lying face down with feet hanging over the
end of the bed. This keeps the hips and knees straight, and is a good
position for the spine.
- Purchase good, supportive shoes for your child. Slippers should be
worn for a limited time. Teenagers should avoid high heels.
- Splints may be made for your child. Let the physiotherapist know if
they are uncomfortable, leave red marks, or become too small.
- Allow extra time in your morning routine so your child has extra
time to get dressed. This will help encourage your child's independence.
- Encourage your child to stay active; however, talk to your child's
therapist or physician to see if contact sports or impact activities
like jogging or cartwheels are permitted.
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Learn More About Early Intervention
Therapy Options
Thankfully, there are many ways to deal with childhood developmental
delays and behaviors. These include in-home services, outpatient (you take
your child to a clinic), inpatient (following injury or surgery) and school
based services. Which type of therapy should you choose?
Visit our Therapy Options
area to learn more.
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