Effectiveness of Early Physical Therapy Rehabilitation in Patient With Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

A diverse group of idiopathic inflammatory arthritis that affects children under the age of 16 and lasts six weeks or longer is known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) or juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA). It causes joint pain and morning stiffness, and the affected joints swell and become difficult to move. During flares, patients may experience flu-like symptoms such as muscle aches and fatigue. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) are the mainstay of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. If necessary, immunosuppressive medications can be administered in stages. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are pain relievers for joints. Physical therapy treatment aims to reduce pain, improve joint range, correct movement patterns, strengthen weak structures, improve cardiovascular endurance, and improve patients' quality of life. We present a case of a 12-year-old boy who presented to the hospital with knee pain and an inability to walk without assistance after falling on the ground one month prior. Medical history revealed that the patient had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, which was confirmed on investigations. The consultant physician referred the patient for pre-rehabilitation physiotherapy before corrective surgery.