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July is Juvenile Arthritis Awareness Month. It is dedicated to making everyone aware that kids get arthritis, too! Juvenile arthritis is a group of chronic inflammatory conditions that affect children and adolescents under 16. It is characterized by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, and potential long-term joint damage.

Naturopathic doctors view juvenile arthritis as a complex condition involving multiple factors, including genetics, immune system dysfunction, environmental triggers, and imbalances within the body.
Naturopathic medicine takes a holistic approach to juvenile arthritis, aiming to address the underlying causes and promote overall health and well-being.

Rather than solely focusing on suppressing symptoms, naturopathic doctors strive to support the body’s natural healing mechanisms and restore balance. Naturopathic doctors recognize the importance of a healthy diet in managing juvenile arthritis symptoms. A study recently showed evidence that nutritional impairment can complicate juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). Dietary aspects are essential in JIA patients’ growth, body mass index (BMI), bone mineral density (BMD), inflammation, and recovery. Suboptimal nutrition seems to affect the long-term outcome of JIA patients adversely. Nutritional deficiency potentially affects JIA patients’ general well-being and disease control and contributes to growth, inflammation, BMI, and BMD disturbances. It was also possible to verify that the correct status of nutrients helps the body recover and reduce inflammation in JIA patients since nutritional status and nutrients play an important role in regulating immune function.

A naturopathic doctor may recommend an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Certain foods and additives, such as processed foods, sugar, and food sensitivities, may be identified with our functional lab work (Gut Zoomer test, Complete Food Sensitivity test, Micronutrient Deficiency test) and avoided to minimize inflammation.

Naturopathic doctors may suggest specific nutritional supplements to support joint health and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric/curcumin, ginger, and antioxidants like vitamin C and vitamin E are commonly recommended if they are not sensitive to those supplements. Individualized supplementation plans are tailored to each child’s needs and may vary based on age, overall health, and specific symptoms.

Herbal remedies may be used by naturopathic doctors to complement conventional treatments for juvenile arthritis. Herbal medicine is selected based on the individual’s condition, symptom severity, potential interactions with medications, allergies, and sensitivities.

Physical Medicine and Therapies, such as massage, hydrotherapy, and traditional Chinese medicine, may be incorporated to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and improve joint mobility. These therapies aim to enhance circulation, relax muscles, and promote overall relaxation and well-being.

Lifestyle Modifications are also emphasized with the importance of a balanced lifestyle for managing juvenile arthritis. A naturopathic doctor may suggest stress management techniques, exercise plans, adequate sleep, and modifications to daily activities to minimize joint stress.

Lastly, naturopathic doctors collaborate with other healthcare providers to provide comprehensive care for children with juvenile arthritis. Naturopathic recognize the value of an integrative approach, combining conventional medical treatments with naturopathic therapies to optimize outcomes and enhance the child’s quality of life.

It’s important to consult a qualified naturopathic doctor specializing in pediatric care and juvenile arthritis to develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to the child’s unique needs.