What is the treatment?

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Treatment for children with arthritis is usually much the same as for adults. The aim with treatment is to relieve the pain, reduce the swelling and minimise the joint damage.

For mild arthritis your child may juust need a course of non steroidal anti-inflammatories ( NSAIDS) which will reduce the inflammation and pain
For more severe arthritis oral steroids may be prescribed for your child or they may be treated with steroids injected directly into the affected joints
Inflammation can be reduced by using antirheumatic drugs, such as gold-based drugs or penicillamine.
Physiotherapy can really help with joint mobility and muscle strength
It's important to keep your child active to help maintain mobility. Swimming is a great exercise for arthritic children
Splints can be used too to help prevent deformity
Joint replacement may be necessary if there is bad damage

It's important to try to keep your child's life as normal and full as possible so do let them play with their mates any more and enjoy most school activities, try not to be too over protective. Speak to your child's school to help them understand their condition. Family support is essential to help your child, so contact help groups (see below) so you can get the support you need. Encourage your child to contact help groups too to talk to other children with their condition. They need to be with their own age group and not seen as different.

What is the outlook (prognosis)?

Juvenile arthritis usually clears up within a few years. Very badly affected children may be left with deformed joints that may need surgery, and some may develop rheumatoid arthritis as adults.

Further help and information

Arthritis Care Web: www.arthritiscare.org.uk runs
The Source helpline for young people and their parents on 0808 800 2000

The Childrens Chronic Arthritis Association 01905 745595 Web: www.ccaa.org.uk

National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) 01628 823524 Web: www.rheumatoid.org.uk

Arthritis Research Campaign - ARC Copeman House, St Marys Court, St Marys Gate, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7TD Tel: 0870 850 5000 Web: www.arc.org.uk.

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