APE FACT SHEET
JUNIOR RHEUMTOID ARTHRITIS
DEFINITIONS:
Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis is a type of arthritis that happens in children age 16 or
younger. JRA is the most common forms of arthritis in children. JRA is also called juvenile
idiopathic and juvenile chronic arthritis. JRA causes joint swelling, stiffness and sometimes
reduced motion. It can affect any joint, and in some cases it can affect internal organs as well.
DIAGNOSIS:
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Blood Tests
X-rays to monitor bone development and to detect joint damage
Physical Examination may show swollen, warm, and tender joints that hurt to move
C-reactive protein measures levels of general inflammation in the body
People with Arthritis commonly produce a protein called Anti-Nuclear antibody
Tests of joint, blood and tissue fluids to check for infections or inflammation.
SPECIAL COSIDERATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS
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Range of motion in affected joints may be restricted by pain, stiffness, and swelling
Avoid high impact exercise that stress affected joints
Exercise include free weights, weight machines, isometric exercises, and elastic bands
are helpful resistive exercises
Range-of-motion exercises keep joints flexible and are especially important for
children who have lost motion in a joint, or whose joints have become fixed in a bent
position.
Strengthening exercises help build weak muscles
Heat or ice treatment before and after exercise can reduce pain and discomfort
Choose exercises and activities based on which joints are arthritic
(Updated 2012, Robinson & Dews)
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS IN AQUATICS
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Several forms of eye inflammation are associated with various forms of juvenile
arthritis, therefore, the swimmer should use swimming goggles and possible eye
drops (after consultation with ophthalmologist).
Schedule swimming for later hours when the individual does not suffer from typical
morning stiffness
Warm water exercise can help to relax muscles, decrease pain, and increase
circulation.
Information on this sheet contains only suggested guidelines. Each student must be
considered individually, and in many cases, a physician’s written consent should be
obtained.
(Updated 2012, Robinson & Dews)