Pediatric Rheumatology
Compassionate Care for Children With Joint Pain and Autoimmune Conditions
Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or repeated fevers can be stressful for families. Sometimes these symptoms are caused by more than growing pains. Pediatric rheumatologists are doctors who diagnose and treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect a child’s joints, muscles, bones, and immune system.
At UHealth Jackson Children’s Care, we help children feel better, stay active, and enjoy daily life. Our team works closely with families and specialists across our network so your child gets the right care from the start.
What a Pediatric Rheumatologist Does
Pediatric rheumatologists are board-certified pediatricians with extra training in conditions that cause inflammation, pain, or long-lasting symptoms. They look at your child’s full health picture, including physical symptoms, growth, and emotional well-being.
At Holtz Children’s Hospital, your child’s doctor works with experts in many areas of pediatric care to make sure nothing is missed. Together, we support your child in the safest and most complete way possible.
Conditions We Treat
Children are often referred to pediatric rheumatology when symptoms don’t improve or the cause is unclear. We care for children and teens with:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and other forms of arthritis
- Lupus and other connective tissue diseases
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels
- Autoinflammatory syndromes, including repeated fevers
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain, including long-lasting joint or muscle pain
- Joint hypermobility and related pain
These symptoms can look like common illnesses, so getting an early and accurate diagnosis is important.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your child’s first visit will help us understand what is causing their symptoms. This may include:
Description
Joint pain, swelling, stiffness, or repeated fevers can be stressful for families. Sometimes these symptoms are caused by more than growing pains. Pediatric rheumatologists are doctors who diagnose and treat autoimmune and inflammatory conditions that affect a child’s joints, muscles, bones, and immune system.
At UHealth Jackson Children’s Care, we help children feel better, stay active, and enjoy daily life. Our team works closely with families and specialists across our network so your child gets the right care from the start.
What a Pediatric Rheumatologist Does
Pediatric rheumatologists are board-certified pediatricians with extra training in conditions that cause inflammation, pain, or long-lasting symptoms. They look at your child’s full health picture, including physical symptoms, growth, and emotional well-being.
At Holtz Children’s Hospital, your child’s doctor works with experts in many areas of pediatric care to make sure nothing is missed. Together, we support your child in the safest and most complete way possible.
Conditions We Treat
Children are often referred to pediatric rheumatology when symptoms don’t improve or the cause is unclear. We care for children and teens with:
- Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and other forms of arthritis
- Lupus and other connective tissue diseases
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels
- Autoinflammatory syndromes, including repeated fevers
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain, including long-lasting joint or muscle pain
- Joint hypermobility and related pain
These symptoms can look like common illnesses, so getting an early and accurate diagnosis is important.
What to Expect at Your Visit
Your child’s first visit will help us understand what is causing their symptoms. This may include:
Physical
A full physical exam and review of your child’s medical history.
Lab tests
Your child may need blood work or other lab tests to check for inflammation, infection, or autoimmune activity. These tests give us important clues about their health.
Imaging
Imaging studies, such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound, to check for inflammation.
Referrals
Referrals to other pediatric specialists if needed, such as dermatology, nephrology, neurology, orthopedics, or physical therapy.
Treatment Options
Every child is different, so each care plan is personalized. Treatment may include:
- Medications to reduce swelling, ease pain, or help the immune system work properly
- Joint injections to reduce inflammation
- Physical or occupational therapy to improve movement and strength
- Nutrition and mental health support to help your child feel their best
- Guided exercise plans to keep kids active in safe and healthy ways
Many rheumatic diseases require long-term care. We stay with your family at every stage to support your child as they grow.
Description
Treatment Options
Every child is different, so each care plan is personalized. Treatment may include:
- Medications to reduce swelling, ease pain, or help the immune system work properly
- Joint injections to reduce inflammation
- Physical or occupational therapy to improve movement and strength
- Nutrition and mental health support to help your child feel their best
- Guided exercise plans to keep kids active in safe and healthy ways
Many rheumatic diseases require long-term care. We stay with your family at every stage to support your child as they grow.
When to See a Pediatric Rheumatologist
Talk to your child’s pediatrician about a referral if your child has:
- Joint pain or swelling that lasts more than six weeks
- Morning stiffness or trouble moving
- Repeated fevers with no known cause
- Skin rashes along with joint pain
- Tiredness that affects school or play
Getting early care can help prevent long-term joint or tissue damage.
Why Choose UHealth Jackson Children’s Care
We are home to Holtz Children’s Hospital, where you’ll find complete and connected care:
- Board-certified pediatric specialists
- Clear communication and family-centered support
- A team approach across rheumatology, dermatology, nephrology, neurology, orthopedics, rehabilitation, and more
- Access to our Rare Disease Center, giving families faster answers and advanced care for uncommon diseases
Your child receives the right care, from diagnosis to treatment to long-term follow-up.
Meet Your Pediatric Rheumatologist
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Pediatric Rheumatology
Locations
Batchelor Children’s Research Institute
1580 N.W. 10th Ave., first floor, Miami, FL, 33136
Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pediatric Rheumatology
Accordion
A pediatric rheumatologist is a doctor who treats children with joint pain, swelling, or autoimmune diseases. They help diagnose conditions that cause long-lasting pain, stiffness, or inflammation.
They treat juvenile arthritis, lupus, scleroderma, vasculitis, joint hypermobility, and other autoimmune or inflammatory diseases. They also help children with repeated fevers and chronic muscle or bone pain.
Talk to your child’s doctor if you notice joint pain or swelling that lasts more than six weeks, morning stiffness, repeated fevers, rashes, or extreme tiredness. These can be signs of an autoimmune or inflammatory condition.
Common signs include joint swelling, stiffness in the morning, trouble moving, limping, and pain that doesn’t get better. Some children may have fevers or rashes too.
Diagnosis may include a physical exam, blood tests, and imaging like an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound. A pediatric rheumatologist reviews all results to find the cause of your child’s symptoms.
Yes. Many autoimmune diseases can be managed with medicine, therapy, and long-term follow-up. Early care can help protect your child’s joints, organs, and overall health.
Treatment may include medicines to reduce swelling, joint injections, physical or occupational therapy, exercise plans, nutrition support, and other therapies based on your child’s needs.
Many rheumatic and autoimmune conditions require regular checkups to track symptoms and adjust care. Your child’s doctor will tell you how often follow-up visits are needed.
With the right care, most children can stay active and enjoy school, sports, and other normal activities. Treatment helps manage pain and prevents long-term damage.
Bring your child’s medical history, a list of symptoms, past test results, current medicines, and any questions you want to ask the doctor.
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