• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
• Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
• Neonatal Lupus Erythematosus
• Lyme Arthritis
• Rheumatic Fever
• Henoch-Schonlein Purpura
• Wegener's Granulomatosis
• Takayasu Arteritis
• Kawasaki Disease
• Familial Mediterranean Fever
• Periodic Fever Syndromes
• Idiopathic Uveitis
• Behcet syndrome
• Sarcoidosis
• Thrombophilic syndromes
• Dermatomyositis
• Systemic sclerosis
• Linear scleroderma
• Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome

The role the rheumatologist plays in health care depends on several factors and needs. Typically, the rheumatologist works with other physicians, sometimes acting as a consultant to advise another physician about a specific diagnosis and treatment plan. In other situations, the rheumatologist acts as a a manager, relying upon the help of many skilled professionals including nurses, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers. Team work is important, since musculoskeletal disorders are chronic. Health care professionals can help people with musculoskeletal diseases and their families cope with the changes the diseases cause in their lives.

Our pediatric rheumatologists work closely with colleagues in Pediatric Infectious Disease & Immunology, Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery and Pediatric Nephrology.

If musculoskeletal pains are not severe or disabling and last just a few days, it makes sense to give the problem a reasonable chance to be resolved.  But sometimes, pain in the joints, muscles or bones is severe or persists for more than a few days. At that point, you should see your physician.  Many types of rheumatic diseases are not easily identified in the early stages. Rheumatologists are specially trained to do the detective work necessary to discover the cause of swelling and pain. It's important to determine a correct diagnosis early so that appropriate treatment can begin early. Some musculoskeletal disorders respond best to treatment in the early stages of the disease.

Because some rheumatic diseases are complex, one visit to a rheumatologist may not be enough to determine a diagnosis and course of treatment. These diseases often change or evolve over time. Rheumatologists work closely with patients to identify the problem and design an individualized treatment program.

During the first visit to a pediatric rheumatologist, the doctor performs a detailed interview and a thorough physical examination. The laboratory test results and x-rays requested are interpreted in order to arrive at a precise diagnosis. This is extremely helpful in formulating the appropriate treatment plan for each individual patient.

Laboratory Work Up and X-Rays
Every attempt is made to detect and confirm the possibility of an underlying infection. The severity of the illness is assessed with pertinent laboratory tests and X-rays. The X-ray equipment delivers less radiation than other frequently used X-ray equipment.