Home Remedies for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

Healthy Diet: A nutritious, well-balanced diet is essential. The diet for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis should consist of vitamins, minerals, and calcium which will help to strengthen the bones and joints. Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis often experience reduced appetite and hence parents and caregivers should ensure that they follow a healthy diet plan. Also, the medications used to treat the condition could result in an extreme increase in appetite and this can lead to sudden weight gain. A balanced diet will enable children to maintain a healthy weight.

Heat and Cold Compresses: Heat and cold applications on the affected joints help to relieve pain, swelling and stiffness. It also helps to soothe sore muscles and improves joint flexibility. Heat treatments enhance blood flow to the affected areas while cold treatments help to alleviate severe pain. Warm baths are also helpful in reducing pain and discomfort.

Electric Blanket: Joint pain and stiffness becomes severe in the mornings and so you can use an electric blanket with a timer that turns on an hour before the child wakes up. This will help to warm up the joints and improve movement.

Massage: Massaging the affected areas helps to alleviate tension and soothe the muscles. Aroma oils such as lavender, lemon and eucalyptus oil can also be used in the massage. Massage is a beneficial home remedy which is effective in providing quick relief from arthritic pain. Use slow, flowing movements to relax the joints.

Exercise: Regular exercise helps children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis to stay fit and flexible and also contributes to stronger bones and toned muscles. Exercises for Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis also improve blood circulation and body functioning. It is important for parents and caregivers to encourage children to stay active. Outdoor sports are a great way to improve fitness and joint flexibility. This also gives children a chance to engage in fun activities.

Rest: Children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may need extra rest during the day to allow their joints to recuperate and regain strength. However it is important to maintain a proper balance between rest and activity since too much inactivity can stiffen the joints and reduce their flexibility.

References

Edward H. Giannini, James T. Cassidy, Earl J. Brewer, Alexander Shaikov, Alexei Maximov, Nina Kuzmina, Comparative efficacy and safety of advanced drug therapy in children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism, Volume 23, Issue 1, August 1993, Pages 34-46, ISSN 0049-0172, 10.1016/S0049-0172(05)80025-3.
Rosario Di Toro, Cesare Polito, Nutrition in Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Nutrition Research, Volume 17, Issue 4, April 1997, Pages 741-758, ISSN 0271-5317, 10.1016/S0271-5317(97)00044-4.