juvenile arthritis
Correcting contractures of arthritic hips
Look for ways that the child can relax with her head as straight as possible. If she
also has contractures in her knees, she can lie like this.
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The child will relax and straighten
her body more easily it she can
play or read.
Place supports or cushions behind
her back and head, but just
enough so that she has to
straighten herself some As her
hips and neck gradually straighten,
keep lowering her back and head
little by little.
Give just enough support under
her knees and feet to keep her
hips and knees stretched. As
they gradually relax, lower her
knees and raise her feet little by
little, so that her hips and knees
straighten.
In the morning, she
may be stiff and bent,
and will need help
to straighten like this
every day–or several
times a day.
If possible, also have
her lie on her belly.
Think of games or exercises in which
the child will stretch his hips and knees.
In this example, the boy rolls the log to
lift the flag and hit the gourd. This helps
strengthen the straightening muscles of
his legs.
log, barrel, or bucket
As the child’s back, hips, and knees
straighten more and he gains strength,
the hammock can be stretched more
tightly and a heavier weight put on the
top of the stick, where the flag is.
A homemade walker similar to this
can help a child with hip contractures
begin to walk. It also provides exercise
for the straightening muscles of both
the arms and legs.
As the child’s hips and knees
straighten more and more, the
crutches and seat can be raised.
It is best if she walks backward
(“Pretend you’re a crab!”). This way
she will strengthen the straightening
muscles in her legs. Walking forward
would strengthen more the muscles
that bend the legs, and this could
increase contractures.
ADJUSTABLE SEAT
adjustable
shoulder
supports
tie made of old
inner tube
SIDE
VIEW
FRONT
VIEW
nail or
pin for
adjusting
seat
disabled village children