Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and occupational therapy

Juvenile arthritis is the term used to describe arthritis in children. The most common type that children get is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (idiopathic means “from unknown causes”). There are several other forms of arthritis affecting children.
Juvenile arthritis affects children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. About 294,000 American children under age 18 have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions.
In Bangladesh one study shows that, the estimated point
prevalence of Juvenile arthritis was 60.5 per 100 000 children. In total 10 patients were identified among 16 270 children; girl : boy ratio was 2.3 : 1.0.  
Juvenile arthritis is usually an autoimmune disorder. As a rule, the immune system helps fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. But in an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks some of the body’s healthy cells and
tissues. Scientists don’t know why this happens or what causes the
disorder. Some think it’s a two-step process in children: something in a child’s genes (passed from parents to children) makes the child more likely to get arthritis, and something like a virus then sets off the arthritis.
Symptoms
The most common signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are:
Pain. While your child might not complain of joint pain, you may notice that he or she limps — especially first thing in the morning or after a nap.
 Swelling. Joint swelling is common but is often first noticed in larger joints like the knee.
Stiffness. You might notice that your child appears clumsier than usual, particularly in the morning or after naps.
Fever and skin rash
In addition to these symptoms, Child may experience a high fever and a light pink rash on skin if he have systemic JRA. The rash most commonly appears on chest, belly, back, hands, or feet. The rash and the fever appear together, and can come and go very suddenly.   
A fever from JRA can spike above 103 degrees. Unlike a fever from a cold, it can last for weeks.
Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can affect one joint or many. In some cases, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body — causing swollen lymph nodes, rashes and fever.
Like other forms of arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by times when symptoms flare up and times when symptoms disappear.
Complications
Several serious complications can result from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. But keeping a careful watch on your child's condition and seeking appropriate medical attention can greatly reduce the risk of these complications:
Eye problems. Some forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can cause eye inflammation (uveitis). If this condition is left untreated, it may result in cataracts, glaucoma and even blindness.
Eye inflammation frequently occurs without symptoms, so it's important for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to be examined regularly by an ophthalmologist.
Growth problems. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with your child's growth and bone development. Some medications used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, mainly corticosteroids, also can inhibit growth.
What is occupational therapy?
The main aim of Occupational  Therapy is to  help people of all ages live life to its fullest. They are interested in the every day activities or ‘occupations’ we all take for granted yet cause  so much distress and disruption if we are unable to do them for any reason.  In the home, such activities might include getting dressed, bathing and going up/down stairs. At school this might include, writing. It may even be doing a favourite hobby or meeting friends!
Occupational therapists or OT’s as they are commonly known,   are specially trained to work with children and young people and consider both physical and psychological needs. They often work as part of a multi- disciplinary team  and   can help children and young people reach their full potential,  maximise their participation in activities and ensure they are fully included in all areas of life.
Occupational therapy and juvenile arthritis
Juvenile Arthritis can have a profound impact upon a child/young person’s ability to perform every day activities due to physical limitations such as  pain,  stiffness  or  fatigue. In addition, it can also impact upon social and
emotional well being.  A referral to an OT may prove useful in helping to overcome some of these
difficulties.
Once referred, the OT will carry out an assessment of daily occupations. This may take place in clinic, at school or in the home.  S/he will be keen to analyze particular activities to determine the most appropriate course of action, this may be adapting a particular task, modifying the environment or developing skills.
An individualized, developmentally appropriate program will then be designed to promote maximum independence and participation.    A range of interventions may be offered including play/activity based activities designed to promote strength or range of motion, they may talk to teachers and suggest strategies to minimize fatigue, or recommend small assistive devices to promote independence. In some instances they may provide splints, suggest special equipment or adaptations to the home in order to facilitate independence. Occasionally they may prescribe a wheelchair.
More commonly the OT will offer advice,   teach useful skills and provide tips to enable you to manage your arthritis a little
easier.  This might include
pain management strategies,
energy conservation or
relaxation skills.

 

 

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and occupational therapy

Juvenile arthritis is the term used to describe arthritis in children. The most common type that children get is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (idiopathic means from unknown causes). There are several other forms of arthritis affecting children. Juvenile arthritis affects children of all ages and ethnic backgrounds. About 294,000 American children under age 18 have arthritis or other rheumatic conditions. In Bangladesh one study shows that, the estimated point prevalence of Juvenile arthritis was 60.5 per 100 000 children. In total 10 patients were identified among 16 270 children; girl : boy ratio was 2.3 : 1.0. Juvenile arthritis is usually an autoimmune disorder. As a rule, the immune system helps fight off harmful bacteria and viruses. But in an autoimmune disorder, the immune system attacks some of the bodys healthy cells and tissues. Scientists dont know why this happens or what causes the disorder. Some think its a two-step process in children: something in a childs genes (passed from parents to children) makes the child more likely to get arthritis, and something like a virus then sets off the arthritis. Symptoms The most common signs and symptoms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis are: Pain. While your child might not complain of joint pain, you may notice that he or she limps especially first thing in the morning or after a nap. Swelling. Joint swelling is common but is often first noticed in larger joints like the knee. Stiffness. You might notice that your child appears clumsier than usual, particularly in the morning or after naps. Fever and skin rash In addition to these symptoms, Child may experience a high fever and a light pink rash on skin if he have systemic JRA. The rash most commonly appears on chest, belly, back, hands, or feet. The rash and the fever appear together, and can come and go very suddenly. A fever from JRA can spike above 103 degrees. Unlike a fever from a cold, it can last for weeks. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can affect one joint or many. In some cases, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis affects the entire body causing swollen lymph nodes, rashes and fever. Like other forms of arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by times when symptoms flare up and times when symptoms disappear. Complications Several serious complications can result from juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. But keeping a careful watch on your childs condition and seeking appropriate medical attention can greatly reduce the risk of these complications: Eye problems. Some forms of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can cause eye inflammation (uveitis). If this condition is left untreated, it may result in cataracts, glaucoma and even blindness. Eye inflammation frequently occurs without symptoms, so its important for children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to be examined regularly by an ophthalmologist. Growth problems. Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis can interfere with your childs growth and bone development. Some medications used to treat juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, mainly corticosteroids, also can inhibit growth. What is occupational therapy? The main aim of Occupational Therapy is to help people of all ages live life to its fullest. They are interested in the every day activities or occupations we all take for granted yet cause so much distress and disruption if we are unable to do them for any reason. In the home, such activities might include getting dressed, bathing and going up/down stairs. At school this might include, writing. It may even be doing a favourite hobby or meeting friends! Occupational therapists or OTs as they are commonly known, are specially trained to work with children and young people and consider both physical and psychological needs. They often work as part of a multi- disciplinary team and can help children and young people reach their full potential, maximise their participation in activities and ensure they are fully included in all areas of life. Occupational therapy and juvenile arthritis Juvenile Arthritis can have a profound impact upon a child/young persons ability to perform every day activities due to physical limitations such as pain, stiffness or fatigue. In addition, it can also impact upon social and emotional well being. A referral to an OT may prove useful in helping to overcome some of these difficulties. Once referred, the OT will carry out an assessment of daily occupations. This may take place in clinic, at school or in the home. S/he will be keen to analyze particular activities to determine the most appropriate course of action, this may be adapting a particular task, modifying the environment or developing skills. An individualized, developmentally appropriate program will then be designed to promote maximum independence and participation. A range of interventions may be offered including play/activity based activities designed to promote strength or range of motion, they may talk to teachers and suggest strategies to minimize fatigue, or recommend small assistive devices to promote independence. In some instances they may provide splints, suggest special equipment or adaptations to the home in order to facilitate independence. Occasionally they may prescribe a wheelchair. More commonly the OT will offer advice, teach useful skills and provide tips to enable you to manage your arthritis a little easier. This might include pain management strategies, energy conservation or relaxation skills.