Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: Physical therapy and rehabilitation

• Published in: Southern medical journal (Birmingham, Ala.) Vol. 98; no. 2; pp. 212 - 216
• Main Authors: CAKMAK, Aysegul, BOLUKBAS, Nalan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.02.2005; Southern Medical Association
• Subjects: Arthritis, Juvenile - rehabilitation; Arthritis, Juvenile - therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Diseases of the osteoarticular system. Orthopedic treatment; General aspects; Humans; Joints - physiopathology; Massage; Medical sciences; Pediatrics; Physical Fitness; Physical therapy; Physical Therapy Modalities; Radiotherapy. Instrumental treatment. Physiotherapy. Reeducation. Rehabilitation, orthophony, crenotherapy. Diet therapy and various other treatments (general aspects); Rehabilitation; Rheumatoid arthritis in children; Splints (Surgery); Therapeutics, Physiological; Medicine; Chronic; Treatment; Diseases of the osteoarticular system; Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis; Inflammatory joint disease; Physical rehabilitation
• ISSN: 0038-4348; 1541-8243
• DOI: 10.1097/01.SMJ.0000146588.22557.A5

Juvenile arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic diseases in the childhood period (ages 0 to 16 years). This disease was first defined in the first half of the 16th century. In the course of time, its differential diagnosis and characteristics have been determined, and it has been classified. Incidence and prevalence values are 10 to 20 in 100,000 and 56 to 113 in 100,000, respectively. Various factors are suggested for its underlying cause. Its denomination is also in dispute. Treatment of juvenile arthritis includes education, medical treatment, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. This article summarizes the objectives and methods of physical therapy and rehabilitation that are important parts of treatment.