Support for Juvenile Arthritis

The doctors at Hassenfeld Children's Hospital at NYU Langone manage all aspects of treatment for children with juvenile arthritis. This includes ongoing support and education for your family. These child and family support services and resilience programs are provided by Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care.

Nutritional Support

Eating a healthy diet can help to reduce inflammation and prevent medication side effects, such as bone loss and weight gain. Our registered dietitians can help you create a healthy menu for your child that is rich in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated and trans fats.

Your doctor may also recommend vitamin D and calcium supplements if your child is taking a medication, such as corticosteroids, for long periods of time by mouth, which can prevent the absorption of these nutrients and lead to bone loss.

Physical Activity

The goal of physical therapy is to improve overall fitness and function. You can help your child to achieve this by encouraging regular physical activity. Our doctors recommend that your child to engage in any type of physical activity he or she likes. Physical activity can relieve symptoms, such as joint pain and stiffness, while preventing medication side effects, such as bone loss and weight gain. It can also help to improve your child’s overall quality of life.

Medication and Insurance

Adhering to therapy, especially if it involves taking medicine on a daily basis, can be a challenge for children and teens. Our social workers can recommend organizational tactics, such as using a phone alarm to help your child take his or her medication as directed. They can also help families to determine if they are eligible to participate in programs that provide medication at a reduced rate.

Psychosocial Support

Dealing with a chronic illness can be distressing for anyone, especially children and teens. Children who have frequent, severe pain may also miss school and social activities.

Our psychologists and social workers offer counseling, school support, and information about support groups that enable your child to meet other children who have juvenile arthritis and are coping with the same issues. Additional wellness services, such as recreational therapy and child life therapy, are offered through the Sala Institute for Child and Family Centered Care, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.