This one is hard and is a common problem. First off see if you can sit down and find anything your child might be interested in trying, sometimes if they get to pick activities they are more motivated. It does not need to be a sport. Second, as the parent, it is important to [...]
Many kids with arthritis actually don’t experience pain. If their arthritis is in remission then no need to limit. If they have mildly active disease then I usually don’t limit them too much. If they have big swollen joints then I try to limit heavy, pounding exercises such as running, jumping repetitively or from [...]
I did lots of different sports including competitive swimming and recreational soccer, gymnastics, dance, track and field, and hockey.
I would find ways to make it more fun for them such as making it into a type of game (if possible). Another way would be to reward them every time they do them.
There is an increased risk of injury for a few reasons. Inflammation can inhibit muscle firing making it harder for the muscles to stabilize and protect the joints. Inflammation over time can weaken the ligaments and tendons making them more susceptible to injury. Pain can make us compensate with other movements and therefore put [...]
If you are in a flare it is a good time to take it a bit easier with activity. Doing light activity is ok but you may have to back off of the more intense activities. Pain can help remind you to take a break but not all kids experience pain as part of [...]
This is a great question to ask your pediatric rheumatologist who will be able to tell you if your child is in remission. Some physical activity, in the form of sports, may still be possible depending on which joints are involved and how active the arthritis is. At this young age the risks of [...]
This is one of challenges for children with JIA who play sports. It is a common question that your pediatric rheumatologist is asked and they can review individual circumstances. In general, JIA pain due to an active joint will be sore every day, regardless of activity, and it may be more significant in the [...]
Most children with JIA are able to continue to play sports without any significant problems. It is important to remember that not all joint or muscle pain is due to arthritis. The above recommendations for accommodation for PE classes can also be applied to sports participation. Many children want to fit in with their [...]
Children who have had arthritis affecting their neck should be screened for instability in that area before participation in any contact sports. Children should be reminded to wear protective eye equipment as per the general population. For children who have had uveitis, there might be an increased risk of eye injury in some sports. [...]
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