Physical therapy management of patients with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is the most common pediatric rheumatic disease and is a leading cause of childhood disability. Physical therapists play a crucial role in the treatment of these children and serve as essential members of the interdisciplinary treatment team. An understanding of the etiology and background of this disease is critical to appropriate evaluation, goal setting, and treatment planning. This review article will provide an overview of the epidemiology, immune system pathophysiology, and clinical characteristics of JRA. Physical therapy principles of care, evaluation procedures, and treatment techniques will be covered in depth. In addition, common orthopedic manifestations and their management, including surgical approaches, will be discussed.