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 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.