According to a recent review published in the Journal of Pediatrics and Child Health, timely assessment and treatment of the common and potentially disabling lower limb pathologies are crucial to achieving standard gold care for children with JIA.

JIA is a lifelong, autoimmune inflammatory arthritis in children and adolescents. The present review discussed the prevalence and treatment options of lower limb pathologies in juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Common lower limb pathologies include synovitis inducing swelling, tenderness, and pain; persistent inflammation pointing to flexion contractures; muscle atrophy; limb length discrepancies; enthesopathies such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis; and tenosynovitis. Allied health professionals may utilize a range of non-invasive therapies, involving hydrotherapy, massaging, taping and foot orthoses, strengthening and stretching exercises to manage lower limb pathologies in JIA.