Conditions We Treat

We provide care and consultation for all types of childhood rheumatologic and immunologic disorders. The following are some of the conditions we diagnose and treat:

• Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
  This is the most common form of chronic arthritis in childhood, causing pain, stiffness, swelling, and decreased function of the joints. The arthritis may be associated with rashes or fevers and can affect other parts of the body such as the eyes.
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (Lupus or SLE)
  Systemic lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system harms the body's own healthy cells and tissues. This can result in inflammation of and damage to the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain.
• Hypermobility Syndrome
  This is characterized by abnormal laxity of ligaments, tendons and joint capsules resulting in excessive joint movement causing pain and an increased likelihood of sprains.
• Fibromyalgia Syndrome and Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome
  Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder of unknown cause that results in multiple areas of pain and stiffness, and specific localized tender points. Patients experience sleep disturbances, are often fatigued and describe periods of difficulty in concentration and feeling depressed. Adolescents with fibromyalgia may follow a different, more remitting course than their adult counterparts.
  Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome (AMPS) is a medical condition that causes intermittent or constant, pain anywhere in the body. Children with AMPS experience pain more intensely because of an interruption in nerve impulses.
• Raynaud's Phenomenon
  This is a condition in which the blood vessels of the fingers and toes react in an extreme way to cold. They suddenly get very narrow (vasoconstrict), decreasing the blood supply and as a result, the fingers and toes become cold and typically change color from pale (white) to blue/purple to red. Pain or tingling can occur in the affected fingers and toes and in severe cases sores form at the tips of the digits.
• Patello-Femoral Pain Syndrome (Anterior Knee Pain)
  This is a condition characterized by significant knee pain unassociated with arthritis, inflammation or specific injury. A roughened under-surface of the patella (knee cap) felt to contribute to symptoms present and patients respond well to targeted exercise and medication.
• Dermatomyositis
  This is an autoimmune condition in which patients develop muscle and skin inflammation resulting in weakness, loss of muscle tissue and rashes. These children are sensitive to sunlight and can experience other abnormalities that affect the heart, lungs and intestines.
• Behcet's Syndrome
  This is a chronic condition that causes intermittent episodes of small sores or ulcers in the mouth and on the genitals, and inflammation in parts of the eye. In some people, the disease also results in arthritis, skin problems, and inflammation of the digestive tract, brain, and spinal cord.