Pediatric Rheumatology

If your child is experiencing pain, swelling, or stiffness in their joints, muscles, or bones, a pediatric rheumatologist at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital can help. Our specialists diagnose and treat rheumatic and autoimmune conditions, providing personalized care to help manage symptoms, improve quality of life, and support your child in staying active and engaged in everyday activities.

Pediatric rheumatologists receive specialized training in diagnosing and treating autoimmune, inflammatory, and musculoskeletal conditions in kids. Because children experience symptoms differently than adults and are still growing and developing, they benefit from care tailored to their unique needs.

At Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, our pediatric rheumatologists combine advanced training with compassionate, child-focused care to help children and families navigate complex conditions with confidence.

Types of musculoskeletal pain your child may experience

Pediatric rheumatologists with Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital have the expertise to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Autoimmune disorders such as juvenile arthritis, lupus, or Kawasaki disease
Inflammatory disorders of joints, muscles, or eyes
Extended, unexplained fevers
Muscle pain, loss of appetite, and fatigue

Diagnosing muscle, bone, or joint pain

Understanding what’s causing your child’s symptoms is the first step toward creating an effective treatment plan. Pediatric rheumatologists take a thorough approach that includes reviewing your child’s medical history, discussing symptoms, and performing a physical examination. Additional testing, such as blood work, may be recommended to help guide diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Treating rheumatoid diseases in children

While many pediatric rheumatic diseases do not have a cure, treatment can help manage symptoms, reduce inflammation and pain, and support your child’s long-term health and well-being.

Our specialists will recommend treatments based on your child’s condition, symptoms, and lifestyle, starting with the least invasive approach when appropriate. Treatments may include:

Medicines to reduce pain or inflammation
Disease-modifying drugs, which address the body’s reaction to the condition and prevent joint damage
Physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and mobility
Nutrition counseling to support your child’s overall health and wellness

In some cases, additional consultation with an orthopedic surgeon or other specialist may be recommended as part of your child's treatment plan.

Collaborative care for children with rheumatic and autoimmune conditions

Some rheumatic and autoimmune conditions can affect multiple parts of the body. When needed, pediatric rheumatologists collaborate with other specialists to ensure children receive comprehensive, coordinated care. Our team includes:

Depending on your child’s needs, the care team may also include social workers, behavioral health specialists, and nutrition professionals to support your child’s physical and emotional well-being.