What is a Paediatric Rheumatologist?

A paediatric rheumatologist is a specialist medical doctor who diagnoses, treats, and manages diseases that affect the joints, muscles and bones in children and young people. These conditions can affect any part of the body from the skin to the deep organs.
Paediatric rheumatologists generally treat patients from birth through to young adulthood. The upper age limit of treatment varies by institution and may be defined by age (i.e. 16 or 18 years) or by another timepoint such as the completion of secondary schooling. 

Paediatric rheumatologists treat arthritis, autoimmune diseases and many other musculoskeletal conditions. Some common conditions that rheumatologist treat include: 
•    Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)
•    Lupus
•    Vasculitis
•    Myositis
•    Uveitis (comanaged with an ophthalmologist)
•    Other non-specific muscle or joint pain
•    Other autoimmune conditions.
Paediatric rheumatologists often manage chronic conditions that can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. They use a variety of treatments, including medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes, to help manage symptoms and improve patients' overall health.

How are paediatric rheumatologists trained?

In order to become a paediatric rheumatologist, trainees would ordinarily complete their medical degree followed by internship and residency. This is followed by 3 years at basic training in paediatrics and then 3 years of dedicated training in paediatric rheumatology.

A paediatric rheumatologist is a paediatrician who has specialised in the treatment of children with rheumatic disease. There are number of adult rheumatologists who have undertaken additional training or have specific experience in paediatric rheumatology and are competent in the management of children with rheumatic diseases.

What to expect at a paediatric rheumatologist appointment?

The comprehensive training your paediatric rheumatologist has undergone equips them with the expertise to identify the cause of your symptoms. During your first visit, the paediatric rheumatologist will usually thoroughly discuss your symptoms and conduct a physical examination. In some circumstances, they may also request investigations such as blood tests, X-rays, and scans.

Once a diagnosis is established, your paediatric rheumatologist will explain your condition and what you might expect moving forward. This is important as some paediatric rheumatology diseases might affect you for a long time. Many children assessed by a paediatric rheumatologist do not need ongoing specialist review.

Your paediatric rheumatologist will work with you and the other members of the paediatric rheumatology healthcare team to design a personalised treatment plan aimed at managing your disease, relieving pain and enhancing your quality of life. For certain chronic conditions like JIA, ongoing consultations with your rheumatologist are recommended. In other cases, like non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pains / growing pains, your GP and/or physiotherapist may manage your treatment with your rheumatologist available for specialised advice as needed. In Australia, certain specialised medications can only be prescribed by a paediatric rheumatologist, ensuring you receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for your condition.
 

When should you see a paediatric rheumatologist?

Joint and muscle pain is very common in children. However, if a child has pain, stiffness and/or swelling in joints and/or muscles that does not improve within a few weeks you should see your GP so they can decide if you should be referred to see a paediatric rheumatologist. A GP may recommend a referral to a rheumatologist when:

  • they have made a diagnosis of or suspect that a child may have an inflammatory musculoskeletal condition
  • a child has painful, swollen, stiff joints that improved after treatment but returned when stopped
  • a child has unusual test results or other symptoms that could indicate an autoimmune condition.

Paediatric rheumatologists are dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people with rheumatic diseases through expert diagnosis, personalised treatment, and ongoing care. If you or your child are experiencing symptoms of a rheumatic condition, don't hesitate to speak to your GP or seek the specialised care of a paediatric rheumatologist.
For more information on how to find a paediatric rheumatologist near you, visit the ARA’s Find a Rheumatologist page.