Arthritis, which literally means inflammation of a joint (where two or more bones meet), actually refers to more than 100 different diseases. Rheumatic diseases include any diseases that cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in joints or other supportive body structures, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. In fact, the group of arthritis diseases falls under the category of rheumatic diseases.

Arthritis and other rheumatic diseases are often mistakenly associated with old age, because osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis) occurs more often among elderly persons. However, arthritis and other rheumatic diseases affect people of all ages. Arthritis affects nearly 300,000 children in the United States.

• About Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
  
• Anatomy of a Joint
  
• Diagnosing Pediatric Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
  
• Living With a Rheumatic Disease
  
• Glossary
  
• Statistics
  
• Treatment for Arthritis / Rheumatic Diseases
• Types of Pediatric Arthritis & Rheumatic Diseases
  • Fibromyalgia
    
  • Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis
    
  • Juvenile Dermatomyositis
    
  • Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis
    
  • Psoriatic Arthritis
    
  • Rheumatic Fever
    
  • Scleroderma
    
  • Septic (Infectious) Arthritis
    
  • Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE, or Lupus)
    
  • Vasculitis

Pediatric Care at Rush

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for children of all ages, from newborns through young adults.

At Rush, physicians from more than 30 specialties address the full range of pediatric diseases and congenital problems, from the common to the complex. Rush pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, nurses and other health professionals provide care that aims to fulfill community needs, empower parents and advance pediatric care.

For more information about the pediatric care at Rush visit the Rush Children’s Hospital home page.

Or phone (888) RUSH-KID or (888) 787-4543.

Looking for More Health Information?

• Visit our Health Information home page.
   
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• Visit Discover Rush’s Web Resource page to find articles on health topics and recent health news from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. You will also find many helpful links to other areas of our site.

Looking for a Doctor?

Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois, is a leader in caring for people of all ages, from newborns through older adults.

Just phone (888) 352-RUSH or (888) 352-7874 for help finding the Rush doctor who’s right for you.