What are the treatment options for juvenile idiopathic arthritis?

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis can cause joint inflammation, stiffness, pain and tiredness during childhood. Care is usually coordinated by a paediatric rheumatology team, with the plan adjusted for the joints involved, symptoms, growth and school or play activities.

[Paediatric Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/paediatric-physiotherapy/) can maintain movement, build age-appropriate strength and support safe participation. [Hydrotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/hydrotherapy/) uses water support and resistance to practise movement when land-based exercise feels difficult. Medicines prescribed by the specialist address inflammation and pain.

Keep appointments and share changes in morning stiffness, swelling, pain, energy, walking, hand use and sleep. Encourage gentle movement during the day, with rest breaks when fatigue or active inflammation makes a task harder. The therapist can adapt exercises for home, school and hobbies.

Do not force an inflamed joint through painful movement or change prescribed medicine without the treating team. Ask the school about practical adjustments, such as extra time between classes, seating changes or reduced impact activities during a flare.

Contact the child’s care team when swelling, stiffness, pain or fatigue is increasing, a new joint becomes involved, or normal walking and hand use change. Seek urgent help for severe pain after injury, inability to use a limb, a hot swollen joint with fever, breathing difficulty or a child who appears acutely unwell.

New eye pain, light sensitivity or blurred vision also needs prompt medical advice because some children with inflammatory arthritis can have eye inflammation without obvious joint symptoms.

Ask what symptoms indicate active inflammation, how exercise should change during a flare, whether hydrotherapy is suitable, and how the plan will protect movement and participation at school. Ask who to contact between appointments.