•  
  •  

Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: Treatment With Heat, Cold, or Water

Topic Overview

Muscle spasms around joints affected by juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) can cause significant pain and movement problems. Each child may respond differently, so choose the therapy that makes your child feel better.

  • Heat therapy. Joints that are not swollen may benefit from heat in the form of heating pads, hot packs, or warm whirlpools.
  • Cold therapy. Ice or cold packs can be applied following heat therapy or can be used alone.
  • Water therapy (hydrotherapy). Soaking in warm water while doing stretches may relieve pain, strengthen muscles, and make movement easier.

Related Information

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical Reviewer John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Last Revised June 5, 2012

Last Revised: June 5, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics & John Pope, MD - Pediatrics

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.