Nearly 300,000 children and teenagers in the United States have juvenile arthritis (JA), a chronic autoimmune or autoinflammatory disease. The good news is that increasingly effective and varied options are available for treating JA. Thanks to recent developments in medications and therapies, kids can live more fulfilling, active lives than in the past. 

If you’re seeking treatment for your child, understand that, as with adults, there are many types of juvenile arthritis. These include: 

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (the most common type) 
• Juvenile lupus 
• Vasculitis 
• Juvenile myositis 
• Juvenile scleroderma 
• Fibromyalgia 

Treatments will vary, depending on your child’s condition, age, medical profile, and a host of other factors. 

Treating Juvenile Arthritis (JA), or Pediatric Rheumatic Disease 

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. While there is no cure for JA, the prognosis is better today than ever before. However, there is still a long way to go. Right now, the goal is remission, with little or no disease activity. With early diagnosis and aggressive treatment, remission leading to little or no symptoms can be possible in some cases. Your physician will likely suggest a holistic treatment plan comprised of medication, exercise, therapy and a healthy diet. 

The Latest Treatments for Juvenile Arthritis (JA):  

In addition to recommending healthy life choices, a doctor might recommend one or multiple treatments simultaneously. Newer therapies have been approved by the FDA that not only moderate the effects of JA but also have the ability to prevent significant disability when the child is older. Here are the latest treatments: 

1. Biologics

Many parents are understandably concerned about potent drugs being prescribed for their children. One answer for them: biologics, substances that are derived from biological sources that can typically be taken safely for years. These newer treatments targets cytokines, which control and drive inflammation in the body, as well as other elements that help stimulate the body’s immune response. Your child may be given biologics either intravenously or subcutaneously (under the skin). 

Potential Benefits of Biologics for Juvenile Arthritis (JA)  

A significant benefit is that different kinds of biologics are generally more effective for specific subgroups of the disease. In addition to improving the symptoms and physical functioning of patients, many biologics have been shown to reduce joint destruction in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which is related to juvenile arthritis, therefore changing the future direction of the disease. 

2. Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Medication NSAIDs

Some doctors start with a modest approach, beginning with NSAIDs to combat inflammation, analgesics as a pain reliever, and possibly a DMARD (usually methotrexate), as opposed to a more aggressive approach that involves a biologic or DMARD/biologic combo to reduce inflammation more quickly. Talk to your doctor about an approach that makes the most sense for your child. Treatments may be altered according to your child’s progress and reaction to the medications. 

3. Corticosteroids (Injections)

Many children are treated with regular shots in the doctor’s office. Anti-inflammatory drugs are given by injection in a doctor’s office. They are typically used to manage disease until other medications start working because of side effects.  These fast-acting injections allow targeted treatment to problem areas and work by decreasing pain-inducing inflammation. A juvenile specialist may recommend injections in tandem with other therapies. 

4. DMARDs (Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs) 

Conventional DMARDs, which might consist of methotrexate, sulfasalazine, or other ingredients, can often relieve symptoms by suppressing the immune system so it doesn’t attack the joints. Methotrexate is the most commonly used DMARD to treat JA. Traditional DMARDs may be available in pill form, while biologics are typically injected or given by infusion.  

5. Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT) and Assistive Devices

Therapies such as PT and OT can be done in conjunction with other remedies to maximize your child’s improvement. A therapist will focus on their specific needs. This process may involve helping them adjust to the use of an assistive device, teaching them how to stay active and perform daily activities, and improving their overall quality of life. 

6. Surgery for Juvenile Arthritis 

Surgery for JA is rare. While a last resort, joint replacement has helped bring relief to children with severe pain or joint damage and improve their quality of life. There are various surgical options that can be performed on an outpatient basis.  

Talk to a JA Expert at MidAmerica Orthopaedics 

Every parent wants to be sure they’re giving their child the best treatment with as few negative side effects as possible. Scientists continue to work on improving existing treatments for children and search for effective alternatives that come with fewer side effects. An experienced JA specialist at a clinic such as MidAmerica can answer your questions about the potential risks of long-term use of any medications you are considering, as well as ways to reduce or offset those risks.  

At MidAmerica Orthopaedics, our experts collaborate with one another to ensure every child we treat gets the best possible care – all under one roof. Call (708) 237-7200 to schedule an appointment today.