Arthritis Treatments
Arthritis treatment primarily aims to alleviate pain, reduce joint inflammation, and improve mobility, ensuring a better quality of life for those affected. Depending on the type and severity of arthritis, treatment options can vary from over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs to physical therapy, dietary changes, and even surgical interventions in advanced cases. Recent advancements also explore the potential of biologics and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) for certain forms of arthritis. Complementary therapies, like acupuncture and massage, can also offer additional relief for some patients. Regular consultation with a rheumatologist or physician is essential to tailor an effective treatment plan.
Exploring Complementary Approaches for Managing Juvenile Arthritis
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.
Understanding Arthritis Through the Numbers
60 million
Close to 60 million adults have been professionally diagnosed with arthritis.
1in 4
One out of every four adults is affected by some form of arthritis.
300,000
A remarkable 300,000 young ones are living with juvenile arthritis.
100+
There are more than 100 conditions related to arthritis
Promoting Interventions That Reduce Arthritis Pain
American Arthritis Foundation recognizes several proven approaches to reduce arthritis symptoms:
Be active. Physical activity—such as walking, bicycling, and swimming—decreases arthritis pain and improves function, mood, and quality of life. Adults with arthritis should move more and sit less throughout the day. Getting at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week is recommended.
Protect your joints. People can help prevent osteoarthritis by avoiding activities that are more likely to cause joint injuries.
Talk with a doctor. Recommendations from health care providers can motivate people to be physically active and join a self-management education program. Should your arthritis be interfering with your activities of daily living you may be a candidate to receive many new treatments, and learn how to reverse the arthritis condition.
Learn more about Arthritis:
Arthritis Advice
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