Bone and joint pain is not limited to older adults. Children can experience arthritis, autoimmune disorders, or other conditions that make it painful for them to participate in daily activities.
What is pediatric rheumatology?
Pediatric rheumatologists evaluate children with painful joints, muscles, bones or tendons. They also see patients with other symptoms of arthritis or autoimmune disorders.
Conditions treated
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune disorders
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain
- Inflammation and inflammatory disease
- Symptoms such as pain, weakness, loss of appetite, loss of function/skills, fatigue, weight loss, swelling joints, anemia, or rash.
What is juvenile arthritis?
Juvenile arthritis is a general term used to talk about autoimmune and inflammatory conditions affecting joints in children under the age of 16. There is no known cause for juvenile arthritis, though environmental triggers, genetics and certain infections may be related. There are several different types of juvenile arthritis depending on the joints and parts of the body affected. Symptoms can include:
- Joint stiffness
- Pain, swelling in the joints
- Limping
- Fevers
- Eye pain or eye redness
- Seeming weak or tired
- Blurred vision
- Fussiness
How is juvenile arthritis diagnosed?
There aren’t blood tests to tell which type of juvenile arthritis your child may have. In most cases, the doctor will perform a detailed physical exam and use your child’s medical history to determine the diagnosis.
How is juvenile arthritis treated?
There isn’t a cure for juvenile arthritis, but remission is possible. Our goal through treatment is to decrease inflammation and control pain so that your child has a better quality of life. MaineHealth pediatric rheumatologists will work with you and your child to create a personalized care treatment plan that meets their unique needs. Most treatment plans will be a combination of medicine, physical therapy and exercise.