Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Treatment With Heat, Cold, or Water
Topic Overview
Muscle spasms around joints affected by Reference juvenile idiopathic arthritis Opens New Window (JIA) can cause significant pain and movement problems. Each child may respond differently, so choose the therapy that makes your child feel better.
- Heat therapy. Joints that are not swollen may benefit from heat in the form of heating pads, hot packs, or warm whirlpools.
- Cold therapy. Ice or cold packs can be applied following heat therapy or can be used alone.
- Water therapy (hydrotherapy). Soaking in warm water while doing stretches may relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and make movement easier.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference June 5, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics |
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