Rheumatology

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

Nationally Recognized Expertise

Our division includes experienced specialists who help lead research and training in pediatric rheumatology. Families benefit from care guided by experts who stay current with new treatments and discoveries. We led one of the nation’s first large pediatric studies using small joint tissue samples to better understand arthritis and related conditions—helping us personalize treatment for each child.

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, 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, 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.