Tests & Procedures

A diagnosis of a rheumatologic disorder is based on your child's medical history, symptoms, a complete physical examination, and often results of laboratory and/or imaging tests, such as:

• Blood and urine tests to look for indications of inflammation, infection, measures of immune function, and certain genetic markers
• Sometimes a sample of fluid is removed with a needle (joint aspiration, or arthrocentesis) and tested to help identify the cause of inflammation.
• Imaging such as x-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to help your child's medical provider see what's happening to your child's joint(s) or other parts of the body
• An ultrasound is an imaging test that can sometimes be done right in the office to look for unusual swelling, fluid, or other abnormalities in joints.

After diagnosis, your medical provider will recommend treatment for your child:

• Medication may be recommended to treat pain or inflammation. Some medications are given by mouth and some are given by injection or by infusion through an intravenous line.
• Physical and occupational therapy are often recommended to improve joint function and pain.
• In some forms of arthritis, joint aspiration to remove inflamed fluid and injection of a high potency corticosteroid may be suggested to provide a strong anti-inflammatory effect and rapid relief of pain and inflammation.