When your child experiences discomfort or when medications seem slow to act, it's natural to explore alternative avenues. Many parents—around 75%—look into complementary and alternative medicine therapies (CAM) to alleviate their child's arthritis symptoms. While not part of the standard medical regimen, these therapies might complement or even relieve some side effects of conventional treatments.

Understanding Complementary vs. Alternative Therapies:

• Complementary therapies enhance standard treatments. For instance, acupuncture might aid in managing side effects like nausea or fatigue resulting from cancer treatments.

• Alternative therapies can sometimes be a substitute for typical treatments. However, if you're considering CAM, it's crucial to use it in conjunction with, and not as a replacement for, treatments prescribed by your child's doctor.

While there's evidence that some CAM treatments relieve symptoms, they typically don't change the disease's progression. It's essential to research and understand these treatments' risks, benefits, and scientific evidence before discussing them with your child’s doctor.

Popular CAM therapies for Juvenile Arthritis include:

Exercise: Regular physical activity has proven benefits for kids with arthritis, improving pain management, muscle strength, and overall quality of life.

Yoga: Combining stretching, strength exercises, and mindfulness, yoga has been shown to benefit adults with rheumatoid arthritis, with some suggesting potential benefits for juvenile arthritis.

Massage: Limited studies hint at potential pain relief and other benefits for children with arthritis through massage therapy.

Acupuncture: There are numerous studies suggesting that acupuncture can alleviate severe pain for some patients, even though specific research on children is inconclusive.

Foods and Supplements: Blueberries, turmeric, and fish oil have shown potential benefits, but always consult with a doctor before introducing new supplements.

Elimination Diets: Some believe certain foods exacerbate arthritis symptoms. However, most evidence doesn't support eliminating specific foods, except in rare cases like gluten intolerance.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps change negative thinking and behavior patterns. Preliminary research indicates it could benefit children with arthritis in managing pain and improving overall mood.

CBD: Extracted from the cannabis plant, CBD has anti-inflammatory properties and might assist with pain relief and anxiety reduction. It's essential to be cautious and informed when considering CBD for your child.

In all cases, prioritizing your child's safety and working closely with healthcare professionals ensures the best approach to managing juvenile arthritis.