Services & Specialties

Rheumatology

When Joint Pain or Inflammation Doesn’t Have Clear Answers

When your child has ongoing pain, swelling, or unexplained symptoms, it can feel confusing and stressful. You may not know what is causing it or what to do next.

At Cincinnati Children’s, our Rheumatology team helps families find answers. We care for children with conditions like juvenile idiopathic arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, and dermatomyositis. Our team combines years of experience with advanced tools to guide your child’s care.

Each year, we care for about 3,600 patients across our clinics. We focus on clear diagnosis, effective treatment, and helping your child feel better and stay active.

Rheumatology Care, Treatments, and Team Approach

Internationally Recognized Expertise

Our physicians are international leaders. They work to develop guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric rheumatic disease worldwide and prepare the next generation of specialists through our fellowship program. We’re also members of the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance and the American College of Rheumatology, which support innovative and collaborative clinical and translational research that generates new knowledge and improves the lives of children and families affected by pediatric rheumatic disease.

Advanced Tools and Treatments

We offer specialized services like musculoskeletal ultrasound (imaging to look at joints), helping us to find inflammation quickly and guide care in real time. We lead research and clinical trials in areas like synovial biopsy and use specialized techniques, like imaging tiny blood vessels near the fingernails using nailfold capillaroscopy, to help diagnose and monitor complex conditions early. We are exploring cutting-edge treatments that use a child’s own immune system, offering new hope for children who need advanced care options.

Team-based Care for Complex Needs

Your child’s care may include experts in physical therapy, occupational therapy, eye care, kidney care, dermatology, digestive health, social work, pharmacy and mental health. This multidisciplinary team-based care helps create one plan and reduces extra visits.

Care That Supports the Whole Child

We look beyond symptoms to understand how your child feels, moves, and lives each day. Our care includes therapy services, support for school and activities, and guidance for families. 

Care Close to Home and Regionally

We offer care at multiple locations in our region, with additional outreach clinics and telehealth options. Most families can schedule visits quickly and access care without long delays.