Children with musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, back pain, muscle strains, and other conditions are treated by a pediatric rheumatologist. Due to the complexity of their specialty, these medical professionals are among the best-trained in the world, and they are usually board certified in pediatrics and rheumatology. The majority of pediatric rheumatologists work in cities, where there is a steady stream of patients.
To work as a pediatric rheumatologist, you must first go to medical school and then complete a three-year pediatric residency program. After completing his pediatrics residency, the doctor pursues a three-year fellowship in rheumatology, specializing in pediatric and juvenile patients. The doctor can pursue board certification in the specialty after completing his or her training.
Children are usually referred to a pediatric rheumatologist by another medical professional who believes the child would benefit from seeing one. The doctor meets with the patient and his or her parents to discuss what brought them to the office, and then uses a variety of diagnostic techniques to learn more about the child’s condition and what might be causing it. The pediatric rheumatologist can suggest treatment options once a diagnosis has been made.
As a result of the immune system’s involvement in many of the conditions treated by pediatric rheumatologists, these medical professionals frequently work with immune conditions. Joint pain, vasculitis, unexplained rashes, decline in immune system function, fibromyalgia, gout, lupus, spondylitis, and arthritis are just a few of the medical conditions they’re interested in. The field of pediatric rheumatology is constantly expanding and changing, and a pediatric rheumatologist must keep up with the latest developments in order to provide the best care to patients.
Nonsurgical techniques are used by these doctors to help their patients. Medication, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes are some of the techniques that can be used to improve function and quality of life. Many of the conditions treated by a rheumatologist are extremely complex, necessitating a treatment approach that is unique to each patient. Because some of the conditions they treat are extremely painful, these medical professionals are also concerned with issues like pain management.
A pediatric rheumatologist may occasionally collaborate with another doctor as part of a care team for a patient with comorbidities or a complicated condition. Pediatric rheumatologists work in hospitals, clinics, and other facilities that specialize in rheumatology treatment for children and patients of all ages.