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When your child has ongoing pain in muscles or joints, or has been diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder, we know you have many questions. You are looking for the right diagnosis and a treatment plan that can help your child live as normal a life as possible.

At the Pediatric Rheumatology Program, part of Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at ºÙºÙÊÓƵ, our pediatric rheumatologists are specially trained to investigate what is causing symptoms and to identify a diagnosis.

Parents often bring their children to us because of symptoms that have not responded to treatment. These include fever of unknown origin, joint swelling or stiffness, and pain in the joints, leg, knee, muscles, or back. We also see children who have tested positive for antinuclear antibodies (ANAs), which indicate a possible autoimmune disorder.

In addition, we treat children who have been diagnosed with juvenile arthritis, lupus, mixed connective tissue disorder, Sjogren’s syndrome, sarcoidosis, and many other rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

Your Child’s First Visit

During your child’s first visit with one of our pediatric rheumatologists, please bring any medical records or notes you have about your child’s health. Our medical team talks with you about the timeline and experience of your child’s symptoms and illness. We also ask many questions about your family medical history and perform a full head-to-toe physical examination. If necessary, we may order blood work and imaging tests.

The information we gather during the first visit serves as the foundation of our relationship with you and your child. Along with the diagnostic information—what hurts, where, when, and for how long—we want to understand how your child’s condition affects him or her, as well as the entire family.

Our doctors work together to diagnose rheumatological diseases and provide medication and therapies that can help manage their effects. Some children find that physical and occupational therapy and emotional support can help them cope with a condition’s side effects.

Rheumatological diseases are complicated, and treatment can be challenging. We want you to know that you are not alone in this journey. Our medical team is committed to providing you with tools to help your child feel better and manage the condition.