The Division of Rheumatology at Nemours provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care for children and adolescents with arthritis and a wide range of related disorders. Children may be referred to a rheumatologist for a variety of complaints including joint swelling, limp, weakness, rash, fever, or muscle pain.
Conditions we treat
- juvenile idiopathic arthritis (formerly called juvenile rheumatoid arthritis)
- systemic lupus erythematosus (or SLE, a chronic inflammation of the joints, tendons, and some of the body organs)
- Lyme disease (an infection caused by the deer tick)
- vasculitic disorders (inflammation of the blood vessels)
- scleroderma (a disease that affects the joints, skin, and internal organs)
- benign hypermobility syndrome (very loose joints with complaints of joint pain)
- dermatomyositis (a disease that leads to progressive muscle damage and chronic skin changes)
- rheumatic fever (a complex disease that may develop after a strep infection)
- sarcoidosis (an inflammatory disease where small, rounded growths invade different parts of the body)
Your child’s initial visit with us will include a complete medical and family history and a comprehensive physical exam. Based on our findings, we will likely order specific tests to help us make a diagnosis. Tests may include blood work, X-rays, nuclear imaging tests, CAT scans, or MRIs. Arthroscopy (a procedure that allows doctors to evaluate a joint by inserting a small scope into it) may be considered as well.
Our highly trained and experienced pediatric rheumatologists, fellows in training, nurse practitioners, and other specialized staff work closely with experts from other specialty areas – including Infectious Diseases, Therapy and Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology (Eye Care), Gastroenterology (Digestive Health), Nutrition, Hematology/Oncology (Blood and Cancer Care), Nephrology (Kidney Health), Behavioral Health, and Orthopedics – to provide the best long-term management plan for your child. This care is coordinated through the use of an electronic medical record that allows all consulting doctors access to the latest information about your child’s medical care, test results, and plans for management.
Our commitment to collaboration also extends to you, your child, and your primary care doctor. We provide excellent patient education and family counseling, as well as thorough communication with your child’s pediatrician, to ensure that your child receives the best possible continuity of care.