Rheumatology
Joint Pain Treatment for Children
Many people think of joint pain as a problem that only impacts the elderly, but conditions like arthritis and lupus are known to affect children too. East Tennessee Children’s Hospital’s Rheumatology Clinic provides high quality treatment for joint pains and autoimmune diseases that manifest in children.
Pediatric rheumatologists are difficult to come by in certain parts of the country. We are proud to provide this valuable medical service from a skilled physician close to home in Knoxville, TN.
Does My Child Need to See a Rheumatologist?
A physician will usually refer you to a rheumatologist if they believe your child has a condition that could benefit from their services. Rheumatologists often work with your primary care provider to coordinate the best treatment for patients. Together, they develop a plan that will help the child completely recover or manage the condition so that it stops interfering with their day-to-day life.
Conditions commonly treated by pediatric rheumatologists include:
- Lupus – A chronic condition where the body’s immune system begins attacking healthy tissues. Symptoms vary depending on how the condition manifests. If your child has a consistent health problem despite regular treatment, you may want to have them checked for lupus.
- Juvenile Arthritis – This is the term used to describe arthritis diagnosed in children. Symptoms may include joint pain, joint swelling, limping, fever, rash and swelling of lymph nodes in the neck.
- Scleroderma – Also called system sclerosis, this is an autoimmune disease where the skin and blood vessels thicken when scar tissue spontaneously starts to form. Check your child for hard patches of skin shaped like lines or circles. Your child may also be more susceptible to cold and their fingers and toes might numb more easily.
These are just a few of the conditions our rheumatologist can help you manage. If you believe your child is suffering from joint problems or an autoimmune disease, ask them about getting a referral to a rheumatologist.
