Rheumatic Diseases
Families seeking specialty care for children's rheumatic diseases come to Shriners Children’s.
Shriners Children's provides a rheumatology clinic to address the needs of children with conditions affecting their joints, soft tissues, muscles and bones; such as autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders. The most commonly seen condition in our rheumatology clinic is juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Rheumatic diseases can be diagnosed in a child anywhere from birth to adulthood. Some rheumatic diseases need attention right away and then go away. Others are chronic and require lifelong care from a dedicated team.
Rheumatic diseases can affect multiple parts of the body. Across our healthcare system, we offer a wide range of treatments and services for rheumatic diseases - from testing, imaging, splinting and surveys, to physical and occupational therapy. Families appreciate having only one place to go to for treatment. Our specialists work with patients and their families to make a unique, wrap-around care plan for every child.
Because Shriners Children’s provides all care and services regardless of a family’s ability to pay or insurance status, physicians and families are able to consider every appropriate treatment option available. Learn more below about the pediatric rheumatic diseases we treat and our commitment to the overall well-being of your child.
Specific treatments and services may vary by location. Please contact a specific location for more information.
Rheumatic Diseases Treated at Shriners Children’s
Pediatric rheumatologists evaluate and treat children and teens who have a wide variety of rheumatic and inflammatory conditions.
Some of the most common conditions treated in our rheumatology clinic include:
- Dermatomyositis
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis
- Lupus
- Lyme disease
- Mixed connective tissue disease
- Periodic fever syndrome
- Scleroderma
- Sjogren's syndrome
- Spondyloarthropathy
- Vasculitis
Diagnosing a Rheumatic Disease May Involve:
- Imaging (X-rays)
- Laboratory testing
- Orthopedic tests
- Survey Information (to measure changes to condition)
Pediatric Specialists You May See for Rheumatic Diseases
Staff members at Shriners Children’s are aware of the overall health and well-being of our patients, and develop appropriate, individualized care plans for each child.
If your child has a rheumatic disease, we’ll help coordinate the services and specialties you need. As part of our wrap-around care, your family may work with pediatric experts in:
- Child life
- Laboratory
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Occupational therapy
- Orthopedics
- Orthotics
- Physical therapy
- Radiology and imaging
- Social work
Not all specialists are available at every location. Contact any member of your child’s care team to learn more.
Treatment for Rheumatic Diseases may Include:
- Medications
- Occupational Therapy
- Orthotics (custom braces)
- Physical Therapy
- Splinting
- Surgery
Rheumatic diseases tend to be uncommon and relatively obscure. Seeing a pediatric rheumatologist can be extremely helpful to families, because many primary care providers have not had a lot of experience with rheumatic issues.
Locations with Rheumatology Care
View All Related LocationsShriners Children's provides specialty health care to children around the world. We offer a comprehensive range of treatments, services and support to improve the quality of our patients’ lives and help them reach their full potential.
