Can rheumatoid arthritis cause blurred vision? That’s a question I’ve been asked more times than I can count in my clinic. And honestly, it’s a fair one. When patients come in with joint pain and stiffness, they’re often so focused on managing the physical symptoms that they don’t even think about how their eyes might…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can truly impact a person’s quality of life. RA is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling, and potential joint damage over time. It can make even the simplest tasks feel like a huge challenge. But here’s…
When I talk to my patients about managing rheumatoid arthritis and the role of hydration, the reaction is often a puzzled look followed by, “Wait… water can help my joints?” And I get it—hydration seems almost too simple in the grand scheme of chronic autoimmune conditions. But here’s the deal: as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner,…
Rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain during exercise is one of those double-edged swords I talk about with patients all the time. On the one hand, we all know how important movement is—staying active can actually help keep RA symptoms in check. But then there’s that very real, very frustrating issue: the pain. As a Rheumatology…
If you’re living with rheumatoid arthritis and the best knee support braces is a topic you’re constantly Googling—hey, I get it. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen first-hand how RA can hijack your knees, turning simple movements into cringe-worthy moments. And let’s be honest: knees take a beating even when they’re healthy. Add RA…
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects millions of people worldwide, including many of my patients. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how it can impact a person’s daily life—particularly when it comes to hand function. The pain, stiffness, and swelling associated with RA can make even simple tasks, like…
If there’s one thing I’ve seen over and over again in my years working as a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, it’s how closely intertwined our lifestyle is with our health outcomes. And one topic that comes up again and again with my patients is the link between rheumatoid arthritis and obesity. It’s a conversation I’ve had…
Living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be incredibly challenging. As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how this autoimmune condition affects not just joints, but the entire body. One of the most important aspects of managing RA, besides medication and physical therapy, is maintaining a healthy diet. When we think about rheumatoid arthritis and…
As a Rheumatology Nurse Practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand the many challenges that come with managing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). One question that often arises among patients is how their daily habits, like drinking coffee, might affect their joints. This is especially common when discussing the impact of caffeine on the body. If you’ve ever wondered whether…