How Do You Help A Child Cope With Rheumatoid Arthritis?
Although most people don’t think about children when they consider arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis affects an estimated 300,000 children in the U.S. It causes painful swelling in the joints along with other possible symptoms, like a rash and fever. You’ need to learn to help your child cope if he is diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Explain what he can expect during treatment. Telling him about the different tests and therapies can help ease his fears. Answer any questions that he has about the disorder and treatments. Hold her hand throughout the process. Support her and give her encouragement when she needs to get blood taken, x-rays and other tests used for rheumatoid arthritis. Exercise with your child. Your pediatrician may recommend exercises to help reduce your child’s symptoms. Exercises include stretching, walking and swimming. Encourage the child to talk to you about his symptoms. Let him know that he doesn’t need to cope with the pain on his own. Work with the school to a