If your child has complaints of pain in the musculoskeletal system (joints, muscles, bones, or tendons), other symptoms of arthritis, or an autoimmune disorder, your pediatrician may recommend a Pediatric Rheumatologist.
What kind of training do pediatric rheumatologists have?
Pediatric rheumatologists are medical doctors who have had
At least 4 years of medical school
Three additional years of general pediatric residency training
Three years of fellowship training exclusively with child and adolescent conditions and illnesses that affect the joints, muscles, bones, or other connective tissues throughout the body
Board certification by the American Board of Pediatrics in pediatrics and pediatric rheumatology
What types of treatments do pediatric rheumatologists provide?
A pediatric rheumatologist works with a pediatrician or family physician to evaluate and treat a variety of joint, muscle, and bone disorders, including the following:
Arthritis
Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Kawasaki disease, post-infectious arthritis, chronic vasculitis, and inflammatory disorders of the muscle, eye, or other organs
Evaluation of prolonged fever
Unexplained complaints of chronic musculoskeletal pain, weakness, poor appetite, fatigue, and/or loss of function or skills
Unexplained symptoms such as a rash, anemia, weight loss, or joint swelling
Possible inflammatory disease
Pediatric rheumatologists may interact with other subspecialists (ie, pediatric ophthalmologists, orthopedists, surgeons, or nephrologists), or rehabilitation professionals (ie, physical, occupational, or expressive therapists), as well as social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, and/or orthotists.
Where can I find a pediatric rheumatologist?
Pediatric rheumatologists practice in a variety of medical settings including children's hospitals, university medical centers, and large community hospitals.
Pediatric rheumatologists—the best care for children
Children are not just small adults. Their bodies are growing and have unique medical needs. They usually express their concerns differently than adults. They cannot always answer medical questions and are not always able to be patient and cooperative. Pediatric rheumatologists know how to examine a child and understand how to gain the child's confidence and cooperation to the best of the child's developmental abilities.
If your pediatrician suggests that your child see a pediatric rheumatologist, you can be assured that your child will receive the best possible care.
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