This is one of the reasons that it's important for kids with JRA to find a good balance between activity, which helps them stay flexible, and rest, which everyone needs. Swimming is a great exercise for anyone and especially someone with JRA. It stretches a lot of different muscles and tendons and helps keep the person moving and flexible. Often, a child with JRA will see a physical therapist or occupational therapist in addition to a doctor or rheumatologist.
Sometimes kids with JRA can go a long time without the disease bothering them. Then it comes back. This is called a flare-up or flare. Flare-ups just happen and can't be prevented. Because flare-ups are unpredictable, it can be hard for some kids with JRA to plan ahead.
The good news is that for every 10 kids with JRA, at least 7 of them outgrow it. And while they have it almost all kids with JRA can control it with medicine and other treatments, which means they can do most things that other kids can do.
…
