What does JRA mean in HEALTHCARE

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is an autoimmune disorder that causes joint swelling and stiffness, which usually begins before the age of 16. It is the most common type of arthritis in children and can be lifelong.

The effects of JRA depend on the severity of the disease but may include pain, limited range of motion, fatigue, and fever. In more severe cases, it can cause deformities and disability in some joints.

Currently there is no cure for JRA, however there are treatments available to manage symptoms such as medications to reduce inflammation or suppress the immune system, physical therapy to increase mobility, or surgery to correct musculoskeletal issues that have developed due to the disease.

People living with JRA should focus on maintaining a healthy lifestyle including exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet low in sugar, getting plenty of sleep and rest, avoiding repetitive motions on their joints if possible, and minimizing stress levels as much as possible.

Doctors typically use a combination of tests such as physical exams and imaging scans like x-rays or MRIs to look for joint damage or signs of inflammatory activity related to JRA before making a diagnosis. Blood tests may also be done to check for levels associated with inflammation or autoantibodies associated with rheumatoid diseases like JRA.