Did You Know?

That some kids with juvenile arthritis to need have joint injections.

Many children with juvenile arthritis need to have joint injections of corticosteroids to reduce the inflammation and associated pain in their joints.  This is mostly done under general anaesthetic in hospital as a ‘day patient’ and is in addition to the child’s immunosuppressant and /or other medications and treatments. Some children need to have joint injections repeatedly.  As well as being stressful, this requires time out of school for the child and time off work for busy parents.

Did You Know?

That some arthritis meds can cause sun sensitivity. 

Children with juvenile arthritis may need extra sun protection when playing outside eg more frequent applications of sunscreen, a hat at all times, sunglasses. Certain medications used to treat juvenile arthritis can cause sun sensitivity including severe sunburn and sometimes rashes with even mild exposure.  Ask your child’s rheumatologist about this.

Did You Know?

THAT SOME KIDS WITH ARTHRITIS HAVE INJECTIONs AND INFUSIONS.

Did you know that many kids with arthritis have to take their medications by injection into the subcutaneous tissue under the skin. This can be quite painful - not just the needle going in but the drugs themselves hurt a lot. Not surprisingly many kids develop needle phobias. This is very hard on them and their families, especially the parent or carer who has to give the injections. Others need to go to hospital every couple of weeks to take their medications by intravenous infusion and some kids have to do both. 

How many kids do you know have to call into hospital on the way home from school to have an infusion?

Did you know?

ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF EYE CHECKS FOR (ESPECIALLY) LITTLE KIDS?

All children with rheumatic conditions need their eyes checked regularly to screen for early signs of uveitis so it can be treated before causing damage to vision. The opthalmologists who specialise in uveitis asked JAFA to tell parents that it is vital to get regular eye checks especially for little kids because they don’t notice changes to their vision and therefore can’t tell you about it. They just think the world looks the same to everyone else as it does to them. If you don’t know what uveitis is or how often your child’s eye should be checked - ask your child’s rheumatologist.

But do it now - vision is precious.

Did You Know?

ABOUT WORD DAY?

There is a special worldwide day for young people with arthritic conditions on March 18.It’s called WORD Day.WORD stands for WOrld (young) Rheumatic Diseases Day. It was initiated in 2019 by ENCA (the European Network of Children’s Arthritis) and is held every year on March 18.