Health Topics > Juvenile Arthritis

Signs and Symptoms
  • Swelling.
  • Pain.

Diagnosis
  • Physical Exam.
  • Laboratory Studies.

Treatment
Treatment of arthritis will depend on what the physician has determined to be the actual cause of the arthritis. Treatment will be quite different for the many different conditions causing arthritis. That’s why proper diagnosis is so critical before any treatment can be planned.

Nutritional Supplements
  • Glucosamine – believed to stimulate cartilage.
  • Chondroitin – part of a protein that gives cartilage its “springy” quality and decreases pain.

Medications
May include prescription or over-the-counter substances.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
     Aspirin, Motrin, Aleve
• Steroids (glucocorticoids). Inflammation fighting drugs. Suppresses the immune system which is believed to be overactive in JRA and rheumatoid arthritis.
     Oral prednisone.
     Injectable.
• Topical Analgesics
     Aspercreme.
     Bengay.
     Capsaicin cream.

Is it arthritis?
If you have any of these signs in or around a joint for more than two weeks, it may be time to see your physician.

1. Do you have pain in and around your joints?
2. Do you feel stiff or is it usually difficult to move your joints?
3. Do you have swelling around your joints?
4. Do your joints look red or feel warm to the touch?
5. Are you struggling with fatigue?
6. Is it difficult for you to complete your daily routine because of pain?

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