No Cure: Pain Management
There is no cure for this, so pain relief and management are what specialists are trying to do for these kids. Thankfully, this kind of arthritis usually goes away really easily once a doctor starts to treat it. Plus, it usually does not follow a child into adulthood. The treatment for this arthritis is actually rather easy.
Over the Counter (OTC) Drugs
When a kid has only had problems for a few weeks, doctors will usually start off by suggestion painkillers that do not need a prescription. They may tell the parent to give the child Aspirin, Motrin, Advil, Aleve or Ibuprofen. These are given in a lot higher dosage than you would normally buy at the drug store.
They are also given throughout the day. It may take four weeks for these to start working. These medicines will help get rid of some of the irritation that the kid may feel in their joints.
Prescription Drugs
A doctor may also write a prescription for an anti-rheumatic drug at this point. Usually Methotrexate, Azathioprine Gold and Sulphsalazine are used. If these things do not work, then a doctor may write another prescription. This prescription is for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The ones that are usually used here are Naproxen and Diclfenac.
If a kid is having a lot of pain, and nothing is working, then specialists will give a steroid shot in the joint that hurts. This will work immediately. It will only help for between one and six months though. In case the response does not last long enough there is Methotrexate. This is also used when there are too many joints and so shots would not work. A small dose of medication can help reduce irritation. It is given by a shot or it can be swallowed. Most kids will do well with this medication.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a very important part of treatment. Occupational therapy should also take place. These therapies will help a kid maintain range of motion in their joints. This is very important because when a joint is swollen and tightly held in a slightly flexed or bent position, there can be a lot of problems. For instance, tendons may not grow long enough. This means that a child will not be able to fully extend their joint and so they cannot fully move properly.
Natural Remedies
Using a natural remedy is the best way to help your child. This is because it is a lot safer than drugs. The best way to try them is to start using them slowly. After a while you will see that you can reduce or stop the medications.
A good diet is very important for these kids. If your kid is overweight then there is a strain on their joints and their growth. These kids need to eat a lot of vegetables, grains, and low fat protein. This will help your child feel better and have more energy.
Kids with this kind of arthritis are encouraged to exercise. The best kind of exercise is swimming. This is because there is no strain put on a kid’s joints. Kids can also walk and run around and play if they feel well enough.
A kid can also wear a splint during the day or at night. This is something that will keep the joint in the same position. They will help the joint rest so that it will not become deformed.
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