Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile Arthritis is an umbrella term that describes conditions that can develop in children ages 16 and younger. Unlike typical arthritis, Juvenile Arthritis can involve the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. The most common type of Juvenile Arthritis is Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). To be diagnoses with this condition a child must be younger than 16 and have initial swelling in one or more joints for at least six weeks.

Symptoms Of Juvenile Arthritis

Juvenile arthritis (JA) refers to any form of arthritis or an arthritis-related condition that develops in children or teenagers who are less than 16 years of age.

Symptoms include:

• Pain, swelling, tenderness and stiffness of joints, causing limited range of motion

• Joint contracture

• Damage to joint cartilage and bone leading to joint deformity and impaired use of the joint

• Altered growth of bone and joints leading to short stature

• Frequent fevers accompanied by malaise or fatigue

• Eye problems

• Rashes

Treatment of Juvenile Arthritis

Our Physiotherapists are highly skilled in the assessment and management of arthritis. They can show your child with arthritis different stretches and range-of-motion exercises that will reduce their pain when performing certain activities helping them to stay active. These exercises will make sure their joints stay flexible, reducing the risk of degenerative arthritis.

We will also teach your child strengthening exercises to help build up muscle and endurance. Your child will need to perform a range of these exercises daily to make daily activities easier to perform and helping to maintain their independence. Certain techniques and treatments can also be performed by our Physiotherapists to minimise any joint damage or swelling that often occurs as a result of juvenile arthritis.

Our Expertise

Our Paediatric Physiotherapists have the expertise and clinical training to provide expert treatment to children with arthritis. They will provide a comfortable assessment of your child and ensure the highest level of care at all stages of treatment.

We have a team of Clinical leads who visits our Chartered Physiotherapists and clinics to ensure a level of customer service and quality care that exceeds our competition is given to patients every time.