JIA is the most common type of arthritis in children under the age of 16. It causes persistent joint pain, swelling and stiffness. It can affect one joint or many.
JIA is thought to arise from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The immune system attacks its own cells and tissues. This causes the body to release inflammatory chemicals that attack the synovium (tissue lining around a joint) and inflames it, making the joint feel painful or tender, look red or swollen or difficult to move.
JIA affects children before the age of 16. Females seem to be more affected than males.
A child under 16 years old must have inflammation in one or more joints lasting at least 6 weeks, and have all other conditions ruled out before being diagnosed with JIA. Diagnosis is based upon clinical criteria: medical history, physical examination and blood tests are helpful to make a correct diagnosis.
It is important to eat foods that promote growth
and development and help quiet inflammation such as:
Avoid processed meats, sugar, saturated and trans fats and charred foods which increase inflammatory processes in the body.
Children and young adults with JIA are recommended to engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate or vigorous aerobic physical activity per day, more concretely, at least 3 days per week of vigorous activity and at least 3 days per week of muscle and bone strengthening activities.
Strengthening, jumping exercises, pilates, stretching, and proprioceptive exercises have been shown to cause beneficial effects in children with JIA.
Subject to doctor recommendation.
References: 1. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis [Internet] Mayo Clinic [Last accessed: Aug 19, 2020]. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/symptoms-causes/syc-20374082 | 2. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) [Internet] Arthritis Foundation [Last accessed: Aug 19, 2020]. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/diseases/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis | 3. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis [Internet] Genetics Home Reference. NIH National Library of Medicine [Last accessed: Aug 20, 2020]. Available at: https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis | 4. Barut K, Adrovic A, Sahin S, Kasapçopur Ö. Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis. Balkan Med J 2017;34:90-101. | 5. Healthy Eating for Juvenile Arthritis [Internet] Arthritis Foundation [Last accessed: Aug 20, 2020]. Available at: https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/nutrition/healthy-eating/healthy-eating-for-juvenile-arthritis | 6. Sule S. Exercise recommendations for children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. [Internet] Medicine Matters rheumatology [Last accessed: Aug 20, 2020]. Available at: https://rheumatology.medicinematters.com/physical-activity/pediatric/exercise-children-juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/17826252ZZ
Disclaimer: The information reflected is not to be construed as medical advice. The HCP
should always be consulted first
(especially in regard to adopting an exercise
regime).
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute
medical advice or replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made
with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
